Mercedes-Benz C-Class W204: best and worst years, and what goes wrong
How every year of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class W204 did at its MOT in 2025 compared with other cars the same age, the weak spots that keep coming up, and what to check before you buy one. From 131,618 MOT tests.
Year by year
First-time MOT pass rate for each year of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class W204, against all cars registered the same year. Older cars fail more, so the comparison with cars the same age is what matters.
| Year | Pass first time | All cars that year | Stands out | MOT tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 64% | 57% +7 | Rigid brake pipes 2.2× usual | 12,995 |
| 2009 | 64% | 58% +6 | Rigid brake pipes 2.9× usual | 12,530 |
| 2010 | 66% | 59% +7 | Rigid brake pipes 3.3× usual | 12,829 |
| 2011 | 67% | 61% +6 | Rigid brake pipes 3.8× usual | 18,835 |
| 2012 | 67% | 63% +4 | Rigid brake pipes 3.9× usual | 25,744 |
| 2013 | 70% | 66% +4 | Link ball joint covers 3.9× usual | 23,486 |
| 2014* | 75% | 69% +6 | Ball joint 1.9× usual | 25,199 |
Weak spots across the Mercedes-Benz C-Class W204
Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year of this generation. Repeat findings like these are much less likely to be chance.
- Wheel bearingsup to 4.5× usual
Stands out in 6 years: 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008.
Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.
- Link ball joint coversup to 3.9× usual
Stands out in 6 years: 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Rigid brake pipesup to 3.9× usual
Stands out in 6 years: 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008.
Rough price £100–£400 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.
- Ball jointup to 2.4× usual
Stands out in 6 years: 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Ball joint dust coverup to 2× usual
Stands out in 2 years: 2012, 2011.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
Known faults
From owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Not every car will have them.
- Injector seals (diesel)
Injector seals and other engine seals can leak on the diesels.
Check: Look for fuel or oil around the top of the engine.
- Dual-mass flywheel (manual diesel)
Manual diesels can wear out their dual-mass flywheel. Above 60,000 miles, check whether it's been done.
Check: Listen for a rattle at idle and judder pulling away.
If it needs doing: Clutch and dual-mass flywheel, about £650–£1,200. ClickMechanic
- Harsh 7G-Tronic automatic
Later automatics can change gear harshly, and repairs are expensive.
Check: Check changes are smooth from cold and at low speed.
If it needs doing: Gearbox sensor or solenoid, about £200–£500. ClickMechanic
- Water pump and sensors (petrol)
Water pumps can leak, and air flow or crankshaft sensors cause rough running.
Check: Look for coolant leaks and check it idles smoothly.
If it needs doing: Water pump, about £115–£375. ClickMechanic
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting each car's main test of the year (not retests). A weak spot needs at least 30 cars flagged and must stay 1.5× the usual rate even at the cautious end of a 95% confidence range. Generation years are approximate: cars registered in a changeover year (*) can be either generation. How we score
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