1993 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1993 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1993 Mercedes-Benz E-Class than on all cars registered in 1993.

• Coil springs2.5× usual
  Mercedes-Benz E-Class

  12.8% All 1993 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.5% of all 1993 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Sub-frame4.2× usual
  Mercedes-Benz E-Class

  6.7% All 1993 cars

  1.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.1% of all 1993 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Corroded fuel pipes3.6× usual
  Mercedes-Benz E-Class

  5.4% All 1993 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 1993 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.

Common 1993 Mercedes-Benz E-Class MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1993 Mercedes-Benz E-Class MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  32% 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.

• Brakes
  28% 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 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.

• Tyres
  19% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  19% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  13% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1993 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 1993 Mercedes-Benz E-Class as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 4.2× as often on the 1993 Mercedes-Benz E-Class as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the corroded fuel pipes? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the 1993 Mercedes-Benz E-Class as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?