1985 Mercedes 240 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 240 models manufactured in 1985, based on 182 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1985 Mercedes 240 MOT Analysis
The 1985 Mercedes 240 has an MOT pass rate of 56.0% based on 182 tests — slightly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 195,114 miles on the odometer. With a 44.0% failure rate, the 1985 240 is rated as "Below Average" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1985 Mercedes 240 is Body, chassis, structure, responsible for 2.7% of failures. 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 range from £100–500+. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment is the second most common issue at 1.1%. Non-component advisories follows at 1.1%.
Top failures specific to 1985 models only. The overall 240 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 | Body, Chassis, Structure | 2.7% | 5 |
| 2 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 1.1% | 2 |
| 3 | Non-component Advisories | 1.1% | 2 |
| 4 | Steering | 0.5% | 1 |
| 5 | Tyres | 0.5% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 195,114 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body & Structure | 0.14 | 2.7% | 5 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.06 | 1.1% | 2 |
| Non-component advisories | 0.06 | 1.1% | 2 |
| Steering | 0.03 | 0.5% | 1 |
| Tyres | 0.03 | 0.5% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1985 Mercedes 240 has an MOT pass rate of 56.0% based on 182 tests — slightly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 195,114 miles on the odometer. With a 44.0% failure rate, the 1985 240 is rated as "Below Average" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1985 Mercedes 240, budget for potential repairs before each MOT. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to body, chassis, structure: 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. With an average mileage of 195,114 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Body, chassis, structure — 2.7% of failures
Body, chassis, structure issues account for 2.7% of MOT failures on 1985 Mercedes 240 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.
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — 1.1% of failures
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues account for 1.1% of MOT failures on 1985 Mercedes 240 models. Lighting failures cover all external lights: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and reflectors. A single blown bulb will cause an MOT fail. This is one of the most preventable failure categories. Typical repair costs: £5–50. Pre-MOT check: Walk around the car and check every light — headlights (dipped and main beam), side lights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, reverse light, rear fog light, and number plate lights. Replace any blown bulbs before the test.
Non-component advisories — 1.1% of failures
Non-component advisories issues account for 1.1% of MOT failures on 1985 Mercedes 240 models. Non-component advisories issues are a common cause of MOT failure. Regular inspection and maintenance of these components helps ensure your vehicle passes its MOT. Typical repair costs: £100–400. Pre-MOT check: Have this system checked during regular servicing. Look for warning signs like unusual noises, vibrations, or dashboard warning lights.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.