2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class · 55,912 MOT tests
2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliability
2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Classs fail 26.5% of first MOT tests, 25% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 17 of 24 E-Class years (55,912 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz E-Classs: 21%)
- 26.5%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz E-Classs: 21%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 25% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 95,070
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 55,912
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 29% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- 2013 cars: 25% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- Weak spot: tyres, 8.2% of tests fail here (12% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: windscreen, wipers and mirrors, 71% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2012 car carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Common problems
What fails on a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Fail rate by area
- Suspension10.2%
- Brakes8.5%
- Tyres8.2%
- Lights and electrics5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks3%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.5%
- Seat belts and airbags1.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 2.84%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Coil spring fractured or broken 2.68%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.42%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 1.92%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.81%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.48%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (14.87%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (14.84%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (7.19%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.33%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (3.82%) · Wheel bearing slight play (3.77%)
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 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliable?
2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Classs fail 26.5% of first MOT tests, 25% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 17 of 24 E-Class years (55,912 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class MOT?
Most often rigid brake pipe excessively corroded (2.84% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (2.68% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.42% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class shows 95,070 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2012 car?
A car first registered in 2012 carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
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