1996 Mercedes C 230k MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for C 230k models manufactured in 1996, based on 1,447 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all C 230k cars tested in 1996. Want to see how cars built in 1996 hold up over time?
View 1996 Mercedes C 230k vintage page → (67.9% current pass rate)1996 Mercedes C 230k MOT Analysis
The 1996 Mercedes C 230k has an MOT pass rate of 59.8% based on 1,447 tests — slightly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 124,583 miles on the odometer. With a 40.2% failure rate, the 1996 C 230k is rated as "Below Average" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1996 Mercedes C 230k is Suspension, responsible for 0.3% 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. Body, chassis, structure is the second most common issue at 0.2%. Tyres follows at 0.1%.
Top failures specific to 1996 models only. The overall C 230k 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 | 0.3% | 4 |
| 2 | Body, Chassis, Structure | 0.2% | 3 |
| 3 | Tyres | 0.1% | 2 |
| 4 | Noise, Emissions And Leaks | 0.1% | 2 |
| 5 | Steering | 0.1% | 2 |
| 6 | Brakes | 0.1% | 1 |
| 7 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 0.1% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 124,583 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 0.02 | 0.3% | 4 |
| Body & Structure | 0.02 | 0.2% | 3 |
| Tyres | 0.01 | 0.1% | 2 |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.01 | 0.1% | 2 |
| Steering | 0.01 | 0.1% | 2 |
| Brakes | 0.01 | 0.1% | 1 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.01 | 0.1% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1996 Mercedes C 230k has an MOT pass rate of 59.8% based on 1,447 tests — slightly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 124,583 miles on the odometer. With a 40.2% failure rate, the 1996 C 230k is rated as "Below Average" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1996 Mercedes C 230k, budget for potential repairs before each MOT. 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 124,583 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Suspension — 0.3% of failures
Suspension issues account for 0.3% of MOT failures on 1996 Mercedes C 230k 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.
Body, chassis, structure — 0.2% of failures
Body, chassis, structure issues account for 0.2% of MOT failures on 1996 Mercedes C 230k 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.
Tyres — 0.1% of failures
Tyres issues account for 0.1% of MOT failures on 1996 Mercedes C 230k models. Tyre failures include tread depth below the legal minimum of 1.6mm, cuts, bulges, exposed cords, and incorrect tyre pressure. Tyres are one of the most common and easiest-to-prevent MOT failures. Typical repair costs: £50–200 per tyre. Pre-MOT check: Check tread depth with a 20p coin — if the outer band is visible, the tyre is too worn. Look for bulges, cuts, or embedded objects. Ensure all tyres match the recommended size and load rating.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.