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Mercedes-benz C-class vs Mercedes-benz E: reliability comparison

MOT pass rates, common faults and mileage compared from real UK MOT data.

Mercedes-benz C-class
85%
MOT pass rate · 10 vehicles
Mercedes-benz E
79%
MOT pass rate · 429,719 vehicles
Verdict: On MOT pass rate the Mercedes-benz C-class (85%) and Mercedes-benz E (79%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.

Head to head

Measure Mercedes-benz C-class Mercedes-benz E
MOT pass rate 85% ✓ 79%
MOT failure rate 15% ✓ 21%
Faults & advisories per test 0.9 ✓ 1.6
Dangerous-fault share 7% 3% ✓
Average mileage 72,356 mi 124,278 mi
Sample size (vehicles) 10 429,719

Most common faults

Mercedes-benz C-class

  1. Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))
  2. Nearside Non obligatory mirror damaged
  3. fitted head lamp beam deflectors for test
  4. Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay
  5. Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components
  6. Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))

Mercedes-benz E

  1. Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
  2. Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
  3. Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
  4. Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
  5. Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
  6. Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Reliability FAQ

On MOT pass rate the Mercedes-benz C-class (85%) and Mercedes-benz E (79%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.

Full Mercedes-benz C-class report Full Mercedes-benz E report Most reliable cars

Pass rates are computed over completed (pass/fail) MOT tests. Reliability also depends on age, mileage and upkeep — see each model's page for the full picture.