Part of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213 (2016–2023) guide: best and worst years compared.
2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Classs, from 207 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 207 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What gets flagged at MOT
The share of 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres11% 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.
- Suspension2% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks1% 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.
- Brakes1% 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.
- Lights and electrics1% 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 mirrors1% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2,836 | Tyres 22% |
| 2021 | 6,400 | Tyres 22% |
| 2020 | 10,448 | Tyres 24% |
| 2019 | 20,915 | Tyres 24% |
| 2018 | 20,781 | Tyres 26% |
| 2017 | 21,829 | Tyres 26% |
| 2016 | 19,961 | Tyres 28% |
| 2015 | 20,754 | Tyres 31% |
| 2014 | 19,486 | Brakes 33% |
| 2013 | 17,910 | Brakes 38% |
| 2012 | 13,734 | Brakes 39% |
| 2011 | 12,484 | Brakes 38% |
| 2010 | 10,496 | Brakes 38% |
| 2009 | 6,067 | Brakes 39% |
| 2008 | 3,840 | Brakes 40% |
| 2007 | 4,720 | Brakes 39% |
| 2006 | 3,060 | Brakes 40% |
| 2005 | 3,390 | Suspension 42% |
| 2004 | 3,368 | Suspension 42% |
| 2003 | 2,458 | Suspension 43% |
| 2002 | 805 | Suspension 44% |
| 2001 | 590 | Suspension 37% |
| 2000 | 434 | Suspension 36% |
| 1999 | 396 | Suspension 40% |
| 1998 | 440 | Suspension 35% |
| 1997 | 264 | Suspension 36% |
| 1996 | 457 | Brakes 30% |
| 1995 | 679 | Suspension 28% |
| 1994 | 586 | Brakes 27% |
| 1993 | 175 | Suspension 34% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Classs registered in 2023. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score