2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class · 54,747 MOT tests
2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliability
2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Classs fail 35.3% of first MOT tests, 18% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 14 of 25 C-Class years (54,747 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz C-Classs: 24%)
- 35.3%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz C-Classs: 24%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 18% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- 114,119
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 54,747
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2008 against the years either side
- 2007 cars: 11% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does better)
- 2009 cars: 18% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (level)
- Weak spot: wheels, 1% of tests fail here (53% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 78% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2008 car carries a 57 plate (January–February 2008), or a 08 plate (March–August 2008), or a 58 plate (September–December 2008).
Common problems
What fails on a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Fail rate by area
- Suspension17.7%
- Lights and electrics13.1%
- Brakes11.4%
- Tyres7.5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.6%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks3.3%
- Seat belts and airbags2.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 6.38%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Coil spring fractured or broken 3.46%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 3.32%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Position lamp not working 2.94%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.88%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed 2.58%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the linkage joint, speeding wear and possibly needing a future repair.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (16.61%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (15.43%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8.1%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (6.23%) · Brake pads wearing thin (5.74%) · Suspension ball joint slight play (5.28%)
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 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliable?
2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Classs fail 35.3% of first MOT tests, 18% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 14 of 25 C-Class years (54,747 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class MOT?
Most often suspension ball joint excessively worn (6.38% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (3.46% of tests), rigid brake pipe excessively corroded (3.32% of tests).
How many miles should a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have done?
At its MOT aged about 15, a typical 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class shows 114,119 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2008 car?
A car first registered in 2008 carries a 57 plate (January–February 2008), or a 08 plate (March–August 2008), or a 58 plate (September–December 2008).
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