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Model reliability
Mercedes-Benz 280 reliability
The Mercedes-Benz 280 fails its MOT less often than most cars over 10 years old: 22.6% of 1,015 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.
Over 10 years old
22.6% failed their MOT
From 1,015 MOT tests of Mercedes-Benz 280s this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 86% more oftenComponent mounting prescribed areas2.6% vs 1.4%
Fails 2× as oftenFront and rear fog lamps2% vs 1%Fix about £30
Fails 4× as oftenChassis1.9% vs 0.5%
Fails 4× as oftenFuel system1.5% vs 0.4%
Advised 69% more oftenFluid leaks17.1% vs 10.1%
Advised 32% more oftenExhaust system7% vs 5.3%Fix about £150
Advised 4× as oftenWheel bearings6% vs 1.7%
Checking a Mercedes-Benz 280 before you buy
Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2023 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Failure rates compare this model with all cars in the same age band. Fix prices are typical independent-garage estimates.