2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class · 1,165 MOT tests
2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class reliability
2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Classs fail 28.9% of first MOT tests, 33% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 5 R-Class years (1,165 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz R-Classs: 27.2%)
- 28.9%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz R-Classs: 27.2%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 33% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- 119,889
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,165
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2008 against the years either side
- 2007 cars: 20% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does better)
- 2009 cars: 24% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does better)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 2.7% of tests fail here (29% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: suspension, 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 R-Class
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics12.9%
- Brakes12.6%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks6.4%
- Body, chassis and structure5.2%
- Tyres4.9%
- Suspension3.9%
- Seat belts and airbags2.7%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 4.12%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
CV joint boot split or insecure 3.43%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Stop lamp not working 2.58%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 2.15%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 2.06%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.8%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (23.43%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (18.11%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (14.59%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (6.01%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (5.49%) · Brake pads wearing thin (4.55%)
Other years
Every Mercedes-Benz R-Class year
The full picture: Mercedes-Benz R-Class reliability. Before you pay for any Mercedes-Benz R-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 R-Class reliable?
2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Classs fail 28.9% of first MOT tests, 33% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 5 R-Class years (1,165 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (4.12% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (3.43% of tests), stop lamp not working (2.58% of tests).
How many miles should a 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class have done?
At its MOT aged about 15, a typical 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class shows 119,889 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 R-Class free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.