2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class · 16,898 MOT tests
2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliability
2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Classs fail 30.8% of first MOT tests, 29% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 24 E-Class years (16,898 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz E-Classs: 21%)
- 30.8%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz E-Classs: 21%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 29% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- 125,631
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 16,898
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2008 against the years either side
- 2007 cars: 32% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does worse)
- 2009 cars: 29% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does better)
- 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 E-Class
Fail rate by area
- Suspension12.9%
- Brakes8.7%
- Lights and electrics7.7%
- Tyres7.3%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.4%
- Steering3.6%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks3.4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 5.55%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 2.95%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.63%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Coil spring fractured or broken 2.47%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 2.26%
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 2.2%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (17.55%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (17.36%) · Suspension ball joint slight play (7.71%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.85%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (5.92%) · Slight play in steering rack joints (5.48%)
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 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliable?
2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Classs fail 30.8% of first MOT tests, 29% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 24 E-Class years (16,898 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class MOT?
Most often suspension ball joint excessively worn (5.55% of tests), rigid brake pipe excessively corroded (2.95% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.63% of tests).
How many miles should a 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have done?
At its MOT aged about 15, a typical 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class shows 125,631 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).
Check a 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.