1989 Mercedes 300 Sel MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 300 Sel models manufactured in 1989, based on 178 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1989 Mercedes 300 Sel MOT Analysis
The 1989 Mercedes 300 Sel has an MOT pass rate of 63.5% based on 178 tests — around the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 145,521 miles on the odometer. With a 36.5% failure rate, the 1989 300 Sel is rated as "Average" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1989 Mercedes 300 Sel is Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment, responsible for 2.2% of failures. 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 range from £5–50. Driver's View of the Road is the second most common issue at 1.7%. Brakes follows at 1.1%.
Top failures specific to 1989 models only. The overall 300 Sel 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 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 2.2% | 4 |
| 2 | Driver's View Of The Road | 1.7% | 3 |
| 3 | Brakes | 1.1% | 2 |
| 4 | Registration Plates And Vin | 1.1% | 2 |
| 5 | Suspension | 0.6% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 145,521 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.15 | 2.2% | 4 |
| Visibility | 0.12 | 1.7% | 3 |
| Brakes | 0.08 | 1.1% | 2 |
| Registration Plates and VIN | 0.08 | 1.1% | 2 |
| Suspension | 0.04 | 0.6% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1989 Mercedes 300 Sel has an MOT pass rate of 63.5% based on 178 tests — around the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 145,521 miles on the odometer. With a 36.5% failure rate, the 1989 300 Sel is rated as "Average" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1989 Mercedes 300 Sel, budget for potential repairs before each MOT. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment: 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. With an average mileage of 145,521 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment — 2.2% of failures
Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment issues account for 2.2% of MOT failures on 1989 Mercedes 300 Sel 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.
Driver's View of the Road — 1.7% of failures
Driver's View of the Road issues account for 1.7% of MOT failures on 1989 Mercedes 300 Sel models. Driver's View of the Road 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.
Brakes — 1.1% of failures
Brakes issues account for 1.1% of MOT failures on 1989 Mercedes 300 Sel 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).
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.