Mercedes-Benz E-Class W211/S211 (2002-2008) reliability
Mercedes-Benz E-Class W211/S211 built around 2008: about average at the MOT
Mercedes-Benz E-Class W211/S211 models built around 2008 fail their MOT a little less often than similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.
Looking at a Mercedes-Benz E-Class W211/S211?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
24% of MOT tests on Mercedes-Benz E-Class W211/S211 models built around 2008 ended in a fail (retests included), against 27% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Mercedes-Benz E-Class W211/S211 models built around 2008 involves the tyres.
Based on 27,404 tests of E-Class models registered 2002-2008.
About 1 in 15 E-Class W211/S211 MOTs (7.3%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2008 (17 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 5,560 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.
About 1 in 15 E-Class W211/S211 MOTs (7.1%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2008 (17 years old).
Based on 5,560 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
W211/S211 fail rate by age
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 21 years old.
How the E-Class W211/S211 compares
At each age below, see how the E-Class W211/S211 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 51,465 tests across 15 Mercedes-Benz models, built around 2008 (17 years old).
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.
What to check before viewing
The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.
Brake pipes and hoses
High priorityLook under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.
Brake discs
High priorityAsk for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Suspension bushes and joints
Worth checkingListen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
Other saloons to compare
Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the E-Class W211/S211.
- 1
Lexus IS
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 21%
Lower fail rate: 21.0%, against 23.5% for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class W211/S211, both built around 2008.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
2,033 MOT tests on cars built around 2008
- 2
Chrysler 300
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 27.3%
No clear edge over the Mercedes-Benz E-Class W211/S211 on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
1,092 MOT tests on cars built around 2008
- 3
Lexus IS
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 23.1%
No clear edge over the Mercedes-Benz E-Class W211/S211 on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
1,065 MOT tests on cars built around 2008
- 4
Saab 9-3
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 27.5%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 8%
- Dangerous
- 7.2%
No clear edge over the Mercedes-Benz E-Class W211/S211 on these figures.
7,499 MOT tests on cars built around 2008
- Fail rate
- = the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- = the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
- Dangerous
- = the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
How many are still registered
UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · Fewer than typical
The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.
Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).
Recall context
167 recalls in all10 of the 167 E-Class W211/S211 recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 1 Critical
- 9 more
Top concerns
- Takata airbag might not deploy as specified
- The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame might not meet specifications.
- The driver's air bag may have a chemical change to its propellant over time
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on E-Class W211/S211 cars built around 2008
The share of diesel cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 556 cars.
How E-Class W211/S211 cars have aged
How E-Class W211/S211 cars have aged
How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.
How each part holds up as W211/S211 cars age
How each part holds up as W211/S211 cars age
The share of diesel cars built 2005-2008 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.
| Part of the car | 17 years | 18 years | 19 years | 20 years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 60% | 64% | 64% | 70% |
| Brakes | 45% | 44% | 46% | 47% |
| Emissions | 16% | 16% | 18% | 19% |
| Tyres | 51% | 55% | 56% | 57% |
| Lighting | 30% | 35% | 36% | 43% |
| Bodywork | No figure | No figure | No figure | 1% |
| Steering | 2% | 2% | 3% | 4% |
| Corrosion | 2% | 2% | 2% | 4% |
Based on diesel cars in the 2005-2008 build-year band, from 556 to 899 cars at each age.
W211/S211 variants compared
E-Class W211/S211 variants built around 2008
The fail rate for each E-Class W211/S211 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.
Diesel
- E23.8%5,041 tests
Petrol
- E19.8%496 tests
Most common issues on Mercedes-Benz E-Class models of this age
This list covers every Mercedes-Benz E-Class built around 2008, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the W211/S211 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 123.9%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 222.2%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
- 321.2%Advisory
Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease
- 49.7%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 59.6%Advisory
Oil leak, but not excessive
Based on 5,560 tests
Looking at a Mercedes-Benz E-Class W211/S211?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2008 (17 years old), the Mercedes-Benz E-Class W211/S211 (2002-2008) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 5,560 17-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.