2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class · 39,722 MOT tests
2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliability
2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Classs fail 40.8% of first MOT tests, 7% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 21 of 25 C-Class years (39,722 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz C-Classs: 24%)
- 40.8%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz C-Classs: 24%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 7% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 16
- 112,036
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 16
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 39,722
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2006 against the years either side
- 2005 cars: 5% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2006 car does better)
- 2007 cars: 11% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2006 car does worse)
- Weak spot: wheels, 1.2% of tests fail here (87% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 67% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2006 car carries a 55 plate (January–February 2006), or a 06 plate (March–August 2006), or a 56 plate (September–December 2006).
Common problems
What fails on a 2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Fail rate by area
- Suspension21.8%
- Lights and electrics15.3%
- Brakes10.7%
- Tyres8.3%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.3%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks6.3%
- Steering4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 8.27%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Coil spring fractured or broken 4.83%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 3.64%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 3.51%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 3%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed 2.9%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the linkage joint, speeding wear and possibly needing a future repair.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (17.39%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (16.72%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (11.35%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (7.64%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.8%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (6.71%)
Other years
Every Mercedes-Benz C-Class year
The full picture: Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliability. Before you pay for any Mercedes-Benz C-Class, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliable?
2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Classs fail 40.8% of first MOT tests, 7% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 21 of 25 C-Class years (39,722 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class MOT?
Most often suspension ball joint excessively worn (8.27% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (4.83% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (3.64% of tests).
How many miles should a 2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have done?
At its MOT aged about 16, a typical 2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class shows 112,036 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2006 car?
A car first registered in 2006 carries a 55 plate (January–February 2006), or a 06 plate (March–August 2006), or a 56 plate (September–December 2006).
Check a 2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.