2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class · 12,888 MOT tests
2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliability
2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Classs fail 32.8% of first MOT tests, 27% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 13 of 24 E-Class years (12,888 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz E-Classs: 21%)
- 32.8%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz E-Classs: 21%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 27% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 132,994
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 12,888
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 25% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- 2004 cars: 27% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- Weak spot: wheels, 1% of tests fail here (78% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 74% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2003 car carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Common problems
What fails on a 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Fail rate by area
- Suspension14.7%
- Lights and electrics12.7%
- Brakes10%
- Tyres7.2%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks4.5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.9%
- Steering3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 5.43%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 2.96%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.73%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Coil spring fractured or broken 2.58%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Ball joint dust cover no longer sealed 2.29%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the joint, speeding wear, so the joint may need replacing later.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 2.27%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (18.16%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (16.76%) · Suspension ball joint slight play (7.68%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (6.42%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.04%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (6.04%)
Other years
Every Mercedes-Benz E-Class year
The full picture: Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliability. Before you pay for any Mercedes-Benz E-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 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliable?
2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Classs fail 32.8% of first MOT tests, 27% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 13 of 24 E-Class years (12,888 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class MOT?
Most often suspension ball joint excessively worn (5.43% of tests), rigid brake pipe excessively corroded (2.96% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.73% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class shows 132,994 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2003 car?
A car first registered in 2003 carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
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