1990 Mercedes 811 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 811 models manufactured in 1990, based on 42 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1990 Mercedes 811 MOT Analysis
The 1990 Mercedes 811 has an MOT pass rate of 59.5% based on 42 tests — slightly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 323,874 miles on the odometer. With a 40.5% failure rate, the 1990 811 is rated as "Below Average" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1990 Mercedes 811 is Brakes, responsible for 14.3% 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 11.9%. Body, chassis, structure follows at 9.5%.
Top failures specific to 1990 models only. The overall 811 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 | 14.3% | 6 |
| 2 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 11.9% | 5 |
| 3 | Body, Chassis, Structure | 9.5% | 4 |
| 4 | Steering | 4.8% | 2 |
| 5 | Tyres | 4.8% | 2 |
| 6 | Visibility | 4.8% | 2 |
| 7 | Suspension | 2.4% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 323,874 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 | 0.44 | 14.3% | 6 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.37 | 11.9% | 5 |
| Body & Structure | 0.29 | 9.5% | 4 |
| Steering | 0.15 | 4.8% | 2 |
| Tyres | 0.15 | 4.8% | 2 |
| Visibility | 0.15 | 4.8% | 2 |
| Suspension | 0.07 | 2.4% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1990 Mercedes 811 has an MOT pass rate of 59.5% based on 42 tests — slightly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 323,874 miles on the odometer. With a 40.5% failure rate, the 1990 811 is rated as "Below Average" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1990 Mercedes 811, 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 an average mileage of 323,874 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Brakes — 14.3% of failures
Brakes issues account for 14.3% of MOT failures on 1990 Mercedes 811 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 — 11.9% of failures
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues account for 11.9% of MOT failures on 1990 Mercedes 811 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, chassis, structure — 9.5% of failures
Body, chassis, structure issues account for 9.5% of MOT failures on 1990 Mercedes 811 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.