1997 Mercedes 200 E MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 200 E models manufactured in 1997, based on 56 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1997 Mercedes 200 E MOT Analysis
The 1997 Mercedes 200 E has an MOT pass rate of 55.4% based on 56 tests — slightly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 103,548 miles on the odometer. With a 44.6% failure rate, the 1997 200 E is rated as "Below Average" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1997 Mercedes 200 E is Noise, emissions and leaks, responsible for 1.8% of failures. Emissions failures occur when exhaust gases exceed legal limits for carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), or particulate matter (diesel). Common causes include faulty oxygen sensors, clogged catalytic converters, or DPF issues on diesel vehicles. Typical repair costs range from £100–1,000+. Steering is the second most common issue at 1.8%. Visibility follows at 1.8%.
Top failures specific to 1997 models only. The overall 200 E 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 | Noise, Emissions And Leaks | 1.8% | 1 |
| 2 | Steering | 1.8% | 1 |
| 3 | Visibility | 1.8% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 103,548 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.17 | 1.8% | 1 |
| Steering | 0.17 | 1.8% | 1 |
| Visibility | 0.17 | 1.8% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1997 Mercedes 200 E has an MOT pass rate of 55.4% based on 56 tests — slightly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 103,548 miles on the odometer. With a 44.6% failure rate, the 1997 200 E is rated as "Below Average" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1997 Mercedes 200 E, budget for potential repairs before each MOT. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to noise, emissions and leaks: If the engine management light is on, get it diagnosed before the MOT. For diesel cars, ensure the DPF has completed a regeneration cycle. Regular servicing and using premium fuel before the test can help. With an average mileage of 103,548 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Noise, emissions and leaks — 1.8% of failures
Noise, emissions and leaks issues account for 1.8% of MOT failures on 1997 Mercedes 200 E models. Emissions failures occur when exhaust gases exceed legal limits for carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), or particulate matter (diesel). Common causes include faulty oxygen sensors, clogged catalytic converters, or DPF issues on diesel vehicles. Typical repair costs: £100–1,000+. Pre-MOT check: If the engine management light is on, get it diagnosed before the MOT. For diesel cars, ensure the DPF has completed a regeneration cycle. Regular servicing and using premium fuel before the test can help.
Steering — 1.8% of failures
Steering issues account for 1.8% of MOT failures on 1997 Mercedes 200 E models. Steering failures include excessive play in the steering wheel, leaking power steering fluid, worn track rod ends, and damaged steering rack. These affect vehicle control and are closely related to suspension wear. Typical repair costs: £150–600. Pre-MOT check: Check for excessive steering wheel play (more than a few inches of free movement). Listen for whining from the power steering pump. Look for fluid leaks under the car near the front wheels.
Visibility — 1.8% of failures
Visibility issues account for 1.8% of MOT failures on 1997 Mercedes 200 E models. Visibility failures relate to the windscreen, wipers, washers, mirrors, and view-obstructing damage. Cracks in the windscreen swept area, ineffective wipers, or empty washer bottles are common causes. Typical repair costs: £10–300. Pre-MOT check: Check the windscreen for chips and cracks — damage larger than 10mm in the driver's swept area or 40mm elsewhere will fail. Test washers and wipers. Ensure both door mirrors are intact and adjustable.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.