1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class than on all cars registered in 1996.

• Transmission oil leaks2× usual
  Mercedes-Benz E-Class

  4.9% All 1996 cars

  2.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0.1% of all 1996 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Side repeaters2.7× usual
  Mercedes-Benz E-Class

  3.2% All 1996 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 1% of all 1996 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

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

Common 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1996 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
  30% 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
  28% 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 electrics
  26% 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
  18% 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
  18% 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
  11% 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 1996 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 transmission oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the side repeaters? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?