2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class than on all cars registered in 2018.

• Ball joint6.2× usual
  Mercedes-Benz E-Class

  8.1% All 2018 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 0.6% of all 2018 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.

• Wheels2.8× usual
  Mercedes-Benz E-Class

  2.5% All 2018 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0.3% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

Common 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  26% 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.

• Brakes
  14% 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
  11% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  4% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Lights and electrics
  4% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Steering
  1% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 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 ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 6.2× as often on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the wheels? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?