1998 Mercedes C240 Sport Auto MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for C240 Sport Auto models manufactured in 1998, based on 39 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1998 Mercedes C240 Sport Auto MOT Analysis
The 1998 Mercedes C240 Sport Auto has an MOT pass rate of 43.6% based on 39 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 139,360 miles on the odometer. With a 56.4% failure rate, the 1998 C240 Sport Auto is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1998 Mercedes C240 Sport Auto is Suspension, responsible for 23.1% 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. Brakes is the second most common issue at 20.5%. Registration Plates and VIN follows at 5.1%.
Top failures specific to 1998 models only. The overall C240 Sport Auto 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 | 23.1% | 9 |
| 2 | Brakes | 20.5% | 8 |
| 3 | Registration Plates And Vin | 5.1% | 2 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 139,360 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 | 1.66 | 23.1% | 9 |
| Brakes | 1.47 | 20.5% | 8 |
| Registration Plates and VIN | 0.37 | 5.1% | 2 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1998 Mercedes C240 Sport Auto has an MOT pass rate of 43.6% based on 39 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 139,360 miles on the odometer. With a 56.4% failure rate, the 1998 C240 Sport Auto is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1998 Mercedes C240 Sport Auto, be prepared for above-average maintenance costs. 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 139,360 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Suspension — 23.1% of failures
Suspension issues account for 23.1% of MOT failures on 1998 Mercedes C240 Sport Auto 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.
Brakes — 20.5% of failures
Brakes issues account for 20.5% of MOT failures on 1998 Mercedes C240 Sport Auto 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).
Registration Plates and VIN — 5.1% of failures
Registration Plates and VIN issues account for 5.1% of MOT failures on 1998 Mercedes C240 Sport Auto models. Registration Plates and VIN 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.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.