1972 Mercedes 280 Ce MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 280 Ce models manufactured in 1972, based on 64 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1972 Mercedes 280 Ce MOT Analysis
The 1972 Mercedes 280 Ce has an MOT pass rate of 54.7% based on 64 tests — below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 53,416 miles on the odometer. With a 45.3% failure rate, the 1972 280 Ce is rated as "Poor" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1972 Mercedes 280 Ce is Brakes, responsible for 9.4% 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 7.8%. Body, Structure and General Items follows at 4.7%.
Top failures specific to 1972 models only. The overall 280 Ce page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
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| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brakes | 9.4% | 6 |
| 2 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 7.8% | 5 |
| 3 | Body, Structure And General Items | 4.7% | 3 |
| 4 | Driver's View Of The Road | 4.7% | 3 |
| 5 | Suspension | 4.7% | 3 |
| 6 | Exhaust, Fuel And Emissions | 1.6% | 1 |
| 7 | Steering | 1.6% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 53,416 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.
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| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 1.76 | 9.4% | 6 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 1.46 | 7.8% | 5 |
| Body & Structure | 0.88 | 4.7% | 3 |
| Visibility | 0.88 | 4.7% | 3 |
| Suspension | 0.88 | 4.7% | 3 |
| Emissions & Exhaust | 0.29 | 1.6% | 1 |
| Steering | 0.29 | 1.6% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1972 Mercedes 280 Ce has an MOT pass rate of 54.7% based on 64 tests — below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 53,416 miles on the odometer. With a 45.3% failure rate, the 1972 280 Ce is rated as "Poor" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1972 Mercedes 280 Ce, be prepared for above-average maintenance costs. 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). At 53,416 average miles, these vehicles are in the mid-range where component wear starts to become a factor.
Brakes — 9.4% of failures
Brakes issues account for 9.4% of MOT failures on 1972 Mercedes 280 Ce 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 — 7.8% of failures
Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment issues account for 7.8% of MOT failures on 1972 Mercedes 280 Ce 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.
Body, Structure and General Items — 4.7% of failures
Body, Structure and General Items issues account for 4.7% of MOT failures on 1972 Mercedes 280 Ce 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.