2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 68.4% of Mercedes-Benz E-Class cars first used in 2004 passed their MOT first time, against 57.8% for all cars first used in 2004. Across 12,541 E-Class first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were suspension, lamps and electrical equipment and brakes.
This page analyses first MOT tests for Mercedes-Benz E-Class cars first used in 2004 (all trims grouped): 2021 to 2025 for the pass-rate trend, and 2023 to 2025 for the failure and advisory analysis — plus what is worth checking before you buy one.
Data: DVSA anonymised MOT tests to December 2025 · Calculated by SortedCars · Updated October 2026
How the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, E-Class cars first used in 2004 against all cars first used in 2004 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the E-Class figure was 10.6 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2004 E-Class | All cars first used 2004 | E-Class first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 65.0% | 53.9% | 6,840 |
| 2022 | 66.6% | 55.2% | 6,068 |
| 2023 | 66.6% | 56.0% | 5,044 |
| 2024 | 66.7% | 56.4% | 4,128 |
| 2025 | 68.4% | 57.8% | 3,369 |
Common 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class MOT failures
Share of the 4,122 failed first tests (2023–2025) with at least one failure in each area. A test can fail in more than one area, so the shares add up to more than 100%.
Most common failure items
| DVSA failure item | Share of failed first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Ball joint: excessively worn | 19.1% | 787 |
| Tread depth: below requirements of 1.6mm | 9.0% | 369 |
| Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded | 8.6% | 353 |
| Ball joint dust cover: no longer prevents the ingress of dirt | 8.0% | 331 |
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | 7.6% | 313 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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Typical repair costs for common MOT failures
Typical UK garage prices for the job, not for an E-Class in particular, and not a quote.
| Failure item | Typical job | Typical UK price | Usual range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ball joint: excessively worn | Ball joint replacement | £90 | £60–£150 |
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | Coil spring replacement | £248 | £175–£400 |
From published UK repair-cost guides, checked September 2026. Only jobs with a published typical price are shown.
What to check on a 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Suspension. Worth looking behind the front wheels with a torch at the coil springs, and listening for knocks over bumps on the test drive.
- Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
- Brakes. Worth looking at the discs and pads through the wheel spokes for scoring and a worn lip, and noticing on the test drive whether the car pulls to one side or the pedal feels long.
Common 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2004 E-Class cars, as a share of all 12,541 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material | 22.2% | 2,783 |
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 19.7% | 2,468 |
| Ball joint: has slight play | 9.2% | 1,158 |
| Brake pads: wearing thin | 7.3% | 910 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 7.2% | 902 |
Questions about the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
In 2025, 68.4% of E-Class cars first used in 2004 passed their MOT first time, against 57.8% for all cars first used in 2004. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2004 E-Class most often fail its MOT on?
Suspension (in 43.3% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), lamps and electrical equipment (37.4%) and brakes (31.5%). The single most common item was “Ball joint: excessively worn” (19.1%).
How often does a 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class fail its MOT?
In 2025, 31.6% of first tests on E-Class cars first used in 2004 did not pass first time: 27.1% failed, and a further 4.5% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 4,122 of 12,541 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class MOT advisories?
“Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material” (on 22.2% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (19.7%), “Ball joint: has slight play” (9.2%), “Brake pads: wearing thin” (7.3%) and “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (7.2%).
Is a 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliable?
An MOT pass rate shows what failed at the test, not how reliable a car is. For this group of cars the first-time pass rate went from 65.0% in 2021 to 68.4% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2004
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2004 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2004 MINI Hatch MOT statistics · 2004 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2004 Toyota Yaris MOT statistics · 2004 Volkswagen Polo MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2004 E-Class?
The numbers above cover every E-Class first used in 2004 and tested in Great Britain. Our free check shows the actual MOT history, mileage record and tax status of the one you are looking at.
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