1980 Mercedes 280 E MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 280 E models manufactured in 1980, based on 77 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1980 Mercedes 280 E MOT Analysis
The 1980 Mercedes 280 E has an MOT pass rate of 71.4% based on 77 tests — above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 96,107 miles on the odometer. With a 28.6% failure rate, the 1980 280 E is rated as "Very Good" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1980 Mercedes 280 E is Suspension, responsible for 3.9% of failures. Suspension failures typically involve worn bushes, leaking shock absorbers, broken coil springs, and damaged suspension arms. These affect ride quality, tyre wear, and road holding. Typical repair costs range from £200–500. Exhaust, Fuel and Emissions is the second most common issue at 3.9%. Body, Structure and General Items follows at 2.6%.
Top failures specific to 1980 models only. The overall 280 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 | Suspension | 3.9% | 3 |
| 2 | Exhaust, Fuel And Emissions | 3.9% | 3 |
| 3 | Body, Structure And General Items | 2.6% | 2 |
| 4 | Brakes | 1.3% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 96,107 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 0.41 | 3.9% | 3 |
| Emissions & Exhaust | 0.41 | 3.9% | 3 |
| Body & Structure | 0.27 | 2.6% | 2 |
| Brakes | 0.14 | 1.3% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1980 Mercedes 280 E has an MOT pass rate of 71.4% based on 77 tests — above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 96,107 miles on the odometer. With a 28.6% failure rate, the 1980 280 E is rated as "Very Good" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1980 Mercedes 280 E, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to suspension: Look for uneven tyre wear, listen for clunking over bumps, and check if the car pulls to one side. A bouncy ride suggests worn shock absorbers. Visually inspect coil springs for cracks. With an average mileage of 96,107 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Suspension — 3.9% of failures
Suspension issues account for 3.9% of MOT failures on 1980 Mercedes 280 E models. Suspension failures typically involve worn bushes, leaking shock absorbers, broken coil springs, and damaged suspension arms. These affect ride quality, tyre wear, and road holding. Typical repair costs: £200–500. Pre-MOT check: Look for uneven tyre wear, listen for clunking over bumps, and check if the car pulls to one side. A bouncy ride suggests worn shock absorbers. Visually inspect coil springs for cracks.
Exhaust, Fuel and Emissions — 3.9% of failures
Exhaust, Fuel and Emissions issues account for 3.9% of MOT failures on 1980 Mercedes 280 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.
Body, Structure and General Items — 2.6% of failures
Body, Structure and General Items issues account for 2.6% of MOT failures on 1980 Mercedes 280 E 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.