Mercedes-Benz 230

Overall MOT pass rate

76.4%↓ −1.9% vs UK average

From 2,064 MOT tests. Average for its class.

0.022 failures per 10,000 miles when adjusted for the 108,516-mile median distance driven.

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Common MOT failure categories

the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired4.9%

the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements3.1%

a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning2.9%

a direction indicator lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning2.3%

a suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc2.1%

emissions levels exceed default limits2.0%

Full breakdown

Pass rate by registration year

86.2%

76.9%

74%

69.6%

81.1%

77%

71.9%

What goes wrong?

The most common MOT failure reasons are the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired, the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements, a lamp missing and inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning. The top issue, the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired, caused 102 failures in 2024. If you need repairs before retesting, sites like BookMyGarage let you compare local prices.

the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired	102
the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements	63
a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning	59
a direction indicator lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning	47
a suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc	43
emissions levels exceed default limits	41
the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any seat belt anchorage (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired	37
windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen	37
exhaust system leaking or insecure	35
a headlamp or light source missing, inoperative or more than ½ not functioning in the case of led	35

How serious are these failures?

Not all MOT failures are equal. 34.9% of 230 failures could actually strand you: fractured springs, engine faults, exhaust problems. Another 0% are safety issues where the car still drives but shouldn't, such as worn brakes, corroded brake pipes, and steering wear. Breakdown cover may be worth considering for this model. When it does fail, the average repair bill is around £125.

By registration year

Year	Pass rate	Tests	Avg miles	Top failures
1992	71.9%	302	146,451	a direction indicator lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning, the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements
1991	77%	256	138,819	the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired, the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any seat belt anchorage (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
1990	81.1%	264	116,331	the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired, a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
1989	69.6%	207	108,535	the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired, a tyre cords visible or damaged

3 earlier years

1988	74%	150	107,121	the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired, a brake hose ferrule excessively corroded
1985	76.9%	312	109,859	a transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot severely deteriorated, a suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc
1984	86.2%	116	109,720	the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements, the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired

Typical mileage

Half of all 230s tested had between 63,443 and 158,028 miles on the clock. A significant number are high-mileage vehicles.

63,443

158,028

median: 108,516 miles

At 108,516 median miles, the 230 has 0.022 failures per 10,000 miles driven.

Other Mercedes-Benz models

Mercedes-Benz C-Class	81.2%	685,913 tests
Mercedes-Benz E-Class	82.9%	451,816 tests
Mercedes-Benz A-Class	81.1%	447,325 tests
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter	73.4%	327,362 tests
Mercedes-Benz A-Class	90.5%	172,952 tests

Common questions

What is the Mercedes-Benz 230 MOT pass rate?

The Mercedes-Benz 230 has a 76.4% MOT pass rate based on 2,064 real MOT tests. This is around the national average.

What are common MOT failures on a Mercedes-Benz 230?

The most common MOT failure on the Mercedes-Benz 230 is the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired, which caused 102 failures. Other common issues include the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements.

What is the typical mileage of a Mercedes-Benz 230 at MOT?

The median mileage at MOT for a Mercedes-Benz 230 is 108,516 miles. The middle 50% of vehicles tested have between 63,443 and 158,028 miles.

Buying a used 230?

Start with the free tools. Look up the specific vehicle's MOT history on GOV.UK The mileage at each test will show if it's been wound back, and the advisory history tells you what's wearing. Cross-reference that against the typical failures above to see if anything looks unusual for this model.

The free data won't tell you about outstanding finance, theft markers, or write-off history. For that, you need a vehicle history check This is especially important on a private sale where you have fewer legal protections.

With a 76.4% pass rate and an average repair bill of £125 when things go wrong, budget accordingly. 34.9% of failures on this model could actually strand you, so breakdown cover may be worth considering.

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MOT data from DVSA anonymised test results, 2024 test year. Fleet data from DfT vehicle licensing statistics. Crown copyright, OGL v3.0. MOT pass rates are statistical summaries of test outcomes, not assessments of individual vehicle safety or condition. Always inspect a vehicle and check its full MOT history before purchasing. See terms of use.