Should I check the MOT history before buying a 2012 Mercedes Benz C220 Executiv SE CDI Blue Cy A?

Yes. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. A full MOT history analysis will highlight patterns that a single test result won't reveal.

What corrosion should I look for when inspecting a 2012 Mercedes Benz C220 Executiv SE CDI Blue Cy A?

Check brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that is expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.

How are tyres and brakes typically on a 2012 Mercedes Benz C220 Executiv SE CDI Blue Cy A?

Tyres and brakes are the most common advisory items on vehicles of this age. Budget for replacement if they are near the limit, and factor this into your offer price.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 2012 Mercedes Benz C220 Executiv SE CDI Blue Cy A?

Yes. The MOT history will not show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status. An HPI check covers these areas and should be part of any used car purchase.

CarHunch

Get Started

Mercedes Benz C220 Executiv SE CDI Blue Cy A (2012)

Q: Is the 2012 Mercedes Benz C220 Executiv SE CDI Blue Cy A reliable?

Based on MOT data from 146 vehicles, the 2012 Mercedes Benz C220 Executiv SE CDI Blue Cy A has a first-time MOT pass rate of 83.5%, indicating generally reliable for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

146 real MOT outcomes analysed • 83.5% first-time pass rate

2012 Mercedes Benz C220 Executiv SE CDI Blue Cy A

CarHunch analysed 146 real MOT records for the 2012 Mercedes Benz C220 Executiv SE CDI Blue Cy A. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
Which year to buy? →

On this page

AI Analysis Reliability Overview Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Compare Models

This 2012 C220 CDI is a significant reliability concern—just 44.6% pass first time against the UK average of 80%, which means nearly six in ten fail their MOT. The good news is that dangerous defects are virtually absent, but the consistent failure rate suggests systemic issues beyond simple wear items.

At just under 97,000 miles on average, these cars are showing their age with an average of 0.71 failures per vehicle, typically minor mechanical issues rather than safety-critical problems. Before buying one, have a pre-purchase inspection focus on the cooling system, fuel injectors, and emissions equipment—the common culprits on high-mileage Mercedes diesels of this era.

We have limited data for the 2012 Mercedes Benz C220 Executiv SE CDI Blue Cy A — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

First-time pass

83.5%

UK average ~80%

Around average

Dangerous (ever)

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

0.71

Over 4.1 tests on record

Moderate

Typical mileage

94k

Middle half: 77k–114k

For context

These stats describe 146 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Average reliability — agree?

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 146 Mercedes Benz C220 Executiv SE CDI Blue Cy A cars.

Before you buy a 2012 Mercedes Benz C220 Executiv SE CDI Blue Cy A

Based on MOT data from 146 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 0% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection →
📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type	Vehicles	Pass rate	Avg failures
Diesel (97%)	142	83.5%	0.7

Mileage Distribution

Most 2012 Mercedes Benz C220 Executiv SE CDI Blue Cy A vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

93,870

typical

77,400

low mileage

114,212

high mileage

Half of all 2012 Mercedes Benz C220 Executiv SE CDI Blue Cy A vehicles fall between 77,400 and 114,212 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 77,400 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.

✓ 77,400–114,212 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2012 Mercedes Benz C220 Executiv SE CDI Blue Cy As sit.

⚠ Over 154,186 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2012 Mercedes Benz C220 Executiv SE CDI Blue Cy A — Still on the Road

Most 2012 Mercedes Benz C220 Executiv SE CDI Blue Cy As are still being driven.

Strong survival — 57 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 89% of the peak.

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2017–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

4.1

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

0.71

Avg failures per vehicle

Avg advisories per vehicle

Other model years — Mercedes Benz C220 Executiv SE CDI Blue Cy A: All C220 Executiv SE CDI Blue Cy A years → Which year to buy? →

2013

Or browse all models: Mercedes Benz →

Compare with another model

See how the 2012 Mercedes Benz C220 Executiv SE CDI Blue Cy A stacks up against a rival.

Average reliability — agree?