1987 Mercedes 508 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 508 models manufactured in 1987, based on 105 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1987 Mercedes 508 MOT Analysis
The 1987 Mercedes 508 has an MOT pass rate of 61.0% based on 105 tests — around the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 27,269 miles on the odometer. With a 39.0% failure rate, the 1987 508 is rated as "Average" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1987 Mercedes 508 is Brakes, responsible for 3.8% 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 2.9%. Identification of the vehicle follows at 1.9%.
Top failures specific to 1987 models only. The overall 508 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 | 3.8% | 4 |
| 2 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 2.9% | 3 |
| 3 | Identification Of The Vehicle | 1.9% | 2 |
| 4 | Steering | 1.0% | 1 |
| 5 | Visibility | 1.0% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 27,269 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 | 1.40 | 3.8% | 4 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 1.05 | 2.9% | 3 |
| Identification of the vehicle | 0.70 | 1.9% | 2 |
| Steering | 0.35 | 1.0% | 1 |
| Visibility | 0.35 | 1.0% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1987 Mercedes 508 has an MOT pass rate of 61.0% based on 105 tests — around the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 27,269 miles on the odometer. With a 39.0% failure rate, the 1987 508 is rated as "Average" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1987 Mercedes 508, budget for potential repairs before each MOT. 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 relatively low average mileage of 27,269 miles, many of these vehicles are still in good mechanical condition.
Brakes — 3.8% of failures
Brakes issues account for 3.8% of MOT failures on 1987 Mercedes 508 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 — 2.9% of failures
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues account for 2.9% of MOT failures on 1987 Mercedes 508 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.
Identification of the vehicle — 1.9% of failures
Identification of the vehicle issues account for 1.9% of MOT failures on 1987 Mercedes 508 models. Identification failures relate to the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and registration plate. The VIN must be permanently displayed and legible, and the registration plate must meet British Standard formatting. Typical repair costs: £10–50. Pre-MOT check: Ensure the VIN plate is visible and legible (usually in the windscreen or under the bonnet). Check that number plates are clean, undamaged, and use the correct font and spacing.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.