Used car guide

2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Classs, from 3,840 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

3,840MOT tests in 2025
70%pass first time (all 2008 cars: 57%)
7,700typical miles a year
2.3×the usual rate for rigid brake pipes

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Classs than on all cars registered in 2008.

  • Rigid brake pipes2.3× usual
    Mercedes-Benz E-Class
    22.1% All 2008 cars
    9.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 1.5% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

    At 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 joint2.7× usual
    Mercedes-Benz E-Class
    17.7% All 2008 cars
    6.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 7.3%, against 3.2% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

  • Wheel bearings2.7× usual
    Mercedes-Benz E-Class
    7.1% All 2008 cars
    2.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 1% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

  • Steering rack inner joints2.4× usual
    Mercedes-Benz E-Class
    7% All 2008 cars
    2.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Better than most

Coil springs: 5.4% here, against 12.2% of all 2008 cars. Drive shaft (CV) joints: 0.6% here, against 7.2% of all 2008 cars.

By area

The share of 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    40% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Suspension
    37% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Tyres
    31% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Lights and electrics
    22% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    11% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    9% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Looking at a Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20222,836Tyres 22%
20216,400Tyres 22%
202010,448Tyres 24%
201920,915Tyres 24%
201820,781Tyres 26%
201721,829Tyres 26%
201619,961Tyres 28%
201520,754Tyres 31%
201419,486Brakes 33%
201317,910Brakes 38%
201213,734Brakes 39%
201112,484Brakes 38%
201010,496Brakes 38%
20096,067Brakes 39%
20074,720Brakes 39%
20063,060Brakes 40%
20053,390Suspension 42%
20043,368Suspension 42%
20032,458Suspension 43%
2002805Suspension 44%
2001590Suspension 37%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Classs registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score