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Mercedes-benz E500 vs Mercedes-benz Sprinter: reliability comparison

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

Mercedes-benz E500
81%
MOT pass rate · 9 vehicles
Mercedes-benz Sprinter
72%
MOT pass rate · 408,073 vehicles
Verdict: On MOT pass rate the Mercedes-benz E500 (81%) and Mercedes-benz Sprinter (72%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.

Head to head

Measure Mercedes-benz E500 Mercedes-benz Sprinter
MOT pass rate 81% ✓ 72%
MOT failure rate 19% ✓ 28%
Faults & advisories per test 0.4 ✓ 2.8
Dangerous-fault share 0% ✓ 2%
Average mileage 90,820 mi 191,248 mi
Sample size (vehicles) 9 408,073

Most common faults

Mercedes-benz E500

  1. Exhaust carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))
  2. Front Track rod end ball joint has slight play both sides (2.1.3 (b) (i))
  3. Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
  4. Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint has slight play Ball joint mounted in hub (5.3.4 (a) (i))
  5. Nearside Side repeater not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))
  6. Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))

Mercedes-benz Sprinter

  1. Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)
  2. Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))
  3. Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))
  4. Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))
  5. Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
  6. Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Reliability FAQ

On MOT pass rate the Mercedes-benz E500 (81%) and Mercedes-benz Sprinter (72%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.

Full Mercedes-benz E500 report Full Mercedes-benz Sprinter 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.