Mercedes Benz 280 MOT Check

MOT pass rates, common failures, and reliability data for the Mercedes Benz 280. Check any 280 by registration number below.

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82.5%

Avg Pass Rate

-7.7%

vs Mercedes Benz Avg

Year Ranges

Good

Reliability

Mercedes Benz 280 — MOT Reliability Overview

The Mercedes Benz 280 has an average MOT pass rate of 82.5%, which is 7.7 percentage points below the Mercedes Benz brand average of 90.2%. This is a strong result, indicating that the 280 is well-engineered and tends to age well mechanically. Owners can expect fewer surprises at MOT time.

The most common reasons a Mercedes Benz 280 fails its MOT are a 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, tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements. If you are preparing your 280 for its MOT, checking these areas first could save you a retest fee. Our detailed fault analysis includes estimated repair costs for each failure type.

Before buying a used Mercedes Benz 280, we recommend checking the full MOT history, write-off status, outstanding finance, and stolen vehicle status. These checks can be done for free using the registration number.

MOT Pass Rate by Year

How the Mercedes Benz 280 performs at MOT across different model years.

2009

Based on 30 vehicles

90.0%Excellent

Mercedes Benz average: 90.2%

Dangerous Defects

0.0%

2007

Based on 47 vehicles

93.6%Excellent

Mercedes Benz average: 90.2%

Dangerous Defects

0.0%

Retest Rate

3.0%

2006

Based on 47 vehicles

76.6%Good

Mercedes Benz average: 90.2%

Dangerous Defects

6.5%

Retest Rate

25.8%

1993

Based on 103 vehicles

85.4%Excellent

Mercedes Benz average: 90.2%

Dangerous Defects

1.5%

Retest Rate

7.7%

1990

Based on 49 vehicles

87.8%Excellent

Mercedes Benz average: 90.2%

Dangerous Defects

0.0%

1989

Based on 99 vehicles

75.8%Good

Mercedes Benz average: 90.2%

Dangerous Defects

1.2%

Retest Rate

19.8%

1988

Based on 79 vehicles

68.4%Average

Mercedes Benz average: 90.2%

Dangerous Defects

2.0%

Retest Rate

19.6%

1987

Based on 80 vehicles

67.5%Average

Mercedes Benz average: 90.2%

Dangerous Defects

3.3%

Retest Rate

30.0%

1986

Based on 55 vehicles

74.5%Average

Mercedes Benz average: 90.2%

Dangerous Defects

0.0%

Retest Rate

7.1%

1985

Based on 563 vehicles

81.3%Good

Mercedes Benz average: 90.2%

Dangerous Defects

1.3%

Retest Rate

12.4%

1984

Based on 461 vehicles

85.9%Excellent

Mercedes Benz average: 90.2%

Dangerous Defects

1.3%

Retest Rate

9.6%

1983

Based on 278 vehicles

86.3%Excellent

Mercedes Benz average: 90.2%

Dangerous Defects

1.6%

Retest Rate

6.3%

1982

Based on 178 vehicles

86.5%Excellent

Mercedes Benz average: 90.2%

Dangerous Defects

0.0%

Retest Rate

7.9%

1981

Based on 75 vehicles

84.0%Good

Mercedes Benz average: 90.2%

Dangerous Defects

0.0%

Retest Rate

15.6%

1980

Based on 42 vehicles

88.1%Excellent

Mercedes Benz average: 90.2%

Dangerous Defects

7.7%

Retest Rate

7.7%

1972

Based on 33 vehicles

87.9%Excellent

Mercedes Benz average: 90.2%

Dangerous Defects

0.0%

Retest Rate

10.0%

Top MOT Failures — Mercedes Benz 280

The most common reasons a Mercedes Benz 280 fails its MOT, aggregated across all year ranges.

A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning

17.5%

The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements

3.2%

Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements

2.2%

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

1.8%

Mercedes Benz 280 Common Faults & Repair Costs

Other Mercedes Benz Models

Compare MOT reliability across Mercedes Benz models.

Mercedes Benz E 300

94.2% pass rate

Mercedes Benz E

83.5% pass rate

Mercedes Benz Amg Gla 45 S 4matic+ Auto

92.7% pass rate

Mercedes Benz V

85.8% pass rate

Mercedes Benz Vito 112

87.8% pass rate

Mercedes Benz Sl 500

100.0% pass rate

Useful MOT Guides

Common MOT Failures

The most common reasons UK vehicles fail their MOT — and how to prepare.

MOT Checklist

Pre-MOT checklist to improve your chances of passing first time.

Advisory vs Failure

Understanding the difference between MOT advisories and failures.

See detailed fault analysis for Mercedes Benz 280

Mercedes Benz 280 — Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the Mercedes Benz 280 MOT and reliability.

What is the MOT pass rate for the Mercedes Benz 280?

The average MOT pass rate for the Mercedes Benz 280 is 82.5% compared to the Mercedes Benz average of 90.2%. Pass rates vary by year — check the year-by-year breakdown on this page for details.

What are the most common MOT failures on a Mercedes Benz 280?

The most common MOT failures on the Mercedes Benz 280 are: A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning (17.5%), The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements (3.2%), Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements (2.2%). These are the components most likely to cause an MOT failure.

Is the Mercedes Benz 280 reliable?

With an average MOT pass rate of 82.5%, the Mercedes Benz 280 is rated as "Good" for reliability. This is a strong result suggesting good build quality and fewer common defects.

How do I check the MOT history of a Mercedes Benz 280?

Enter the vehicle's registration number in the search box at the top of this page. You will instantly see the complete MOT history including every test result, mileage readings, advisories, and dangerous defects — completely free.

What mileage should I expect on a Mercedes Benz 280?

Mileage data for the Mercedes Benz 280 is available in the detailed breakdown on this page.

Check Your Mercedes Benz 280's MOT History

Enter the registration number for the full MOT history — free and instant.