1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 500 models manufactured in 1982, based on 194 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all 500 cars tested in 1982. Want to see how cars built in 1982 hold up over time?
View 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 vintage page → (75.8% current pass rate)1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 MOT Analysis
The 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 has an MOT pass rate of 70.1% based on 194 tests — above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 101,529 miles on the odometer. With a 29.9% failure rate, the 1982 500 is rated as "Very Good" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 is Brakes, responsible for 2.1% of failures. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs range from £150–400. Identification of the vehicle is the second most common issue at 1.0%. Body, chassis, structure follows at 0.5%.
Top failures specific to 1982 models only. The overall 500 page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
View as table
| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brakes | 2.1% | 4 |
| 2 | Identification Of The Vehicle | 1.0% | 2 |
| 3 | Body, Chassis, Structure | 0.5% | 1 |
| 4 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 0.5% | 1 |
| 5 | Noise, Emissions And Leaks | 0.5% | 1 |
| 6 | Suspension | 0.5% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 101,529 miFor every 10,000 miles driven, this shows what percentage of MOT tests fail for each category. This accounts for how far cars are actually driven, not just raw pass/fail counts.
View as table
| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 0.20 | 2.1% | 4 |
| Identification of the vehicle | 0.10 | 1.0% | 2 |
| Body & Structure | 0.05 | 0.5% | 1 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.05 | 0.5% | 1 |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.05 | 0.5% | 1 |
| Suspension | 0.05 | 0.5% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 has an MOT pass rate of 70.1% based on 194 tests — above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 101,529 miles on the odometer. With a 29.9% failure rate, the 1982 500 is rated as "Very Good" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to brakes: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm). With an average mileage of 101,529 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Brakes — 2.1% of failures
Brakes issues account for 2.1% of MOT failures on 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 models. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs: £150–400. Pre-MOT check: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm).
Identification of the vehicle — 1.0% of failures
Identification of the vehicle issues account for 1.0% of MOT failures on 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 models. Identification failures relate to the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and registration plate. The VIN must be permanently displayed and legible, and the registration plate must meet British Standard formatting. Typical repair costs: £10–50. Pre-MOT check: Ensure the VIN plate is visible and legible (usually in the windscreen or under the bonnet). Check that number plates are clean, undamaged, and use the correct font and spacing.
Body, chassis, structure — 0.5% of failures
Body, chassis, structure issues account for 0.5% of MOT failures on 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 models. Body and structure failures include excessive corrosion, sharp edges, loose panels, and damage to the vehicle frame. Rust is the primary concern, especially on older vehicles or those exposed to road salt. Typical repair costs: £100–500+. Pre-MOT check: Inspect sills, wheel arches, door bottoms, and the chassis for rust. Surface rust is acceptable but structural corrosion or holes will fail. Check that all doors, bonnet, and boot close securely.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.