2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Classs, from 19,952 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Classs than on all cars registered in 2016.
- Wheel bearings4.7× usualMercedes-Benz E-Class2.8% All 2016 cars0.6%Rough price £100–£250
At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.
- Ball joint1.6× usualMercedes-Benz E-Class4.6% All 2016 cars2.8%Rough price £80–£200
At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Engine warning light1.9× usualMercedes-Benz E-Class2.8% All 2016 cars1.5%Rough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
- Wheels2× usualMercedes-Benz E-Class2.2% All 2016 cars1.1%Rough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
Suspension arm bushes and joints: 2% here, against 6.1% of all 2016 cars. Shock absorbers: 0.7% here, against 4.3% of all 2016 cars.
By area
The share of 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres28% 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.
- Brakes19% 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.
- Suspension13% 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.
- Lights and electrics8% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors4% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Seats and seatbelts1% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 6,560 | Tyres 23% |
| 2019 | 18,768 | Tyres 25% |
| 2018 | 20,762 | Tyres 26% |
| 2017 | 21,802 | Tyres 26% |
| 2015 | 20,740 | Tyres 31% |
| 2014 | 19,480 | Brakes 33% |
| 2013 | 17,906 | Brakes 38% |
| 2012 | 13,731 | Brakes 39% |
| 2011 | 12,480 | Brakes 38% |
| 2010 | 10,492 | Brakes 38% |
| 2009 | 6,066 | Brakes 39% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Classs registered in 2016. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score