Part of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class W212 (2009–2016) guide: best and worst years compared.

Used car guide

2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class first registered in 2009: we looked at the 20,325 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

20,325MOTs of 2009 cars, done in 2023–2025
69%pass first time (all 2009 cars: 59%)
7,800typical miles a year
3.1×the usual rate for rigid brake pipes

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class than on all cars registered in 2009.

  • Rigid brake pipes3.1× usual
    Mercedes-Benz E-Class
    22.5% All 2009 cars
    7.2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 1.2% of all 2009 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 joint1.7× usual
    Mercedes-Benz E-Class
    11% All 2009 cars
    6.3%

    Failed outright at MOT: 5.5%, against 3.4% of all 2009 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
    5.7% All 2009 cars
    2.1%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.8% of all 2009 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.

Better than most

Sidelights: 0.9% here, against 6.8% of all 2009 cars. Number plate lights: 3.2% here, against 8.3% of all 2009 cars.

Petrol or diesel: does it make a difference?

The same figures for each fuel on its own. Check which one the car you're looking at is: it's on the logbook and in its MOT history.

FuelPass first timeStands outMOTs
Petrol77%Rigid brake pipes 2.2×1,574
Diesel68%Rigid brake pipes 3.2×, Ball joint 1.8×, Wheel bearings 2.8×18,751

Common 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 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
    39% 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
    33% 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
    19% 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
    10% 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
    7% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Known faults on the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

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

  1. Has the timing chain ever been replaced?
  2. Has the water pump been replaced?
  3. Has the gearbox oil been changed?
  4. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class as on other cars the same age.)
  5. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class as on other cars the same age.)
  6. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class as on other cars the same age.)

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

Every year of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2026–Too new for MOT data
2025–Too new for MOT data
2024–Too new for MOT data
2023310Tyres 11%
20223,605Tyres 20%
202113,465Tyres 22%
202031,740Tyres 24%
201963,370Tyres 25%
201863,522Tyres 26%
201767,285Tyres 26%
201661,611Tyres 28%
201563,946Tyres 31%
201460,386Tyres 33%
201355,931Brakes 36%
201243,371Brakes 38%
201140,106Brakes 38%
201034,094Brakes 38%
200813,037Brakes 39%
200716,415Brakes 40%
200610,975Brakes 41%
200512,409Brakes 42%
200412,508Suspension 41%
20039,177Suspension 43%
20023,092Suspension 41%
20012,186Suspension 36%
20001,629Suspension 36%
19991,467Suspension 39%
19981,645Lights and electrics 34%
1997937Suspension 36%
19961,509Brakes 30%
19952,249Suspension 29%
19941,998Suspension 29%
1993541Suspension 32%
1992128Brakes 29%
1990114Suspension 28%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Mercedes-Benz E-Class cars first registered in 2009. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score