1998 Mercedes 240 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 240 models manufactured in 1998, based on 56 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1998 Mercedes 240 MOT Analysis
The 1998 Mercedes 240 has an MOT pass rate of 78.6% based on 56 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 126,348 miles on the odometer. With a 21.4% failure rate, the 1998 240 is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1998 Mercedes 240 is Brakes, responsible for 3.6% 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. Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment is the second most common issue at 3.6%. Road Wheels follows at 1.8%.
Top failures specific to 1998 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 | Brakes | 3.6% | 2 |
| 2 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 3.6% | 2 |
| 3 | Road Wheels | 1.8% | 1 |
| 4 | Suspension | 1.8% | 1 |
| 5 | Tyres | 1.8% | 1 |
| 6 | Non-component Advisories | 1.8% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 126,348 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 | 0.28 | 3.6% | 2 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.28 | 3.6% | 2 |
| Wheels | 0.14 | 1.8% | 1 |
| Suspension | 0.14 | 1.8% | 1 |
| Tyres | 0.14 | 1.8% | 1 |
| Non-component advisories | 0.14 | 1.8% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1998 Mercedes 240 has an MOT pass rate of 78.6% based on 56 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 126,348 miles on the odometer. With a 21.4% failure rate, the 1998 240 is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1998 Mercedes 240, 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 126,348 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Brakes — 3.6% of failures
Brakes issues account for 3.6% of MOT failures on 1998 Mercedes 240 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).
Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment — 3.6% of failures
Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment issues account for 3.6% of MOT failures on 1998 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.
Road Wheels — 1.8% of failures
Road Wheels issues account for 1.8% of MOT failures on 1998 Mercedes 240 models. Wheel failures include cracked or severely corroded alloy wheels, missing or loose wheel nuts, and wheels that are insecurely attached. These are safety-critical and relatively rare compared to tyre failures. Typical repair costs: £100–400 per wheel. Pre-MOT check: Visually inspect wheels for cracks, especially around the spokes and rim. Check that all wheel nuts are present and tightened. Look for signs of impact damage on alloy wheels.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.