Mercedes Benz 312 (2000)
2000 Mercedes Benz 312
CarHunch analysed 116 real MOT records for the 2000 Mercedes Benz 312. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2000 Mercedes-Benz 312 is considerably less reliable than the UK average, with a first-time pass rate of just 67.3% against the national benchmark of 80%, and nearly a third of vehicles (31%) have recorded dangerous defects—a serious red flag for buyers. This is a vehicle that will demand close mechanical attention and regular remedial work.
At 178,000 miles median, these cars are well-worn and unsurprising in their fragility; what matters is that they're averaging 3.38 failures and 18.5 advisories per test, suggesting systemic wear rather than isolated problems. If you're considering one, have a pre-purchase inspection carried out by a Mercedes specialist and budget for immediate suspension, brake, and electrical work.
What to check before buying a 2000 Mercedes Benz 312
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- ⚠️ 31% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Mercedes Benz 312
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Mileage Distribution
Most 2000 Mercedes Benz 312 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2000 Mercedes Benz 312 vehicles fall between 129,357 and 223,673 miles.
2000 Mercedes Benz 312 — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 15 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2019 (44% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2019.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2000 Mercedes Benz 312
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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127%
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements
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42.3%
Oil leak
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34.2%
Offside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded
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33.3%
Nearside Front suspension has slight play in a lower suspension ball joint
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32.2%
Offside Front suspension has slight play in a lower suspension ball joint
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31.6%
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel
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31.5%
Brake pipe slightly corroded
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30.8%
Nearside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2000. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Mercedes Benz 312?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.