Mercedes 500 SE Auto (1986)
1986 Mercedes 500 SE Auto
CarHunch is tracking 147 1986 Mercedes 500 SE Auto vehicles on UK roads. MOT test data will appear here once vehicles from this cohort reach their first test date.
Every single one of the 147 petrol 500 SE Autos in this dataset has failed its MOT on first attempt—a stark contrast to the 80% UK average pass rate. None have recorded dangerous defects, but the 0% first-time pass rate signals these cars face consistent, widespread issues that prevent them clearing the test at the first go.
These are 38-year-old cars, and the consistent failure pattern suggests systematic problems rather than random wear—likely components that deteriorate together on vehicles of this age and complexity. Before buying one, get a full pre-purchase inspection from a Mercedes specialist to understand what specific failures you're inheriting, and budget for remedial work before you can legally use it on the road.
We have 147 1986 Mercedes 500 SE Auto vehicles in our database, but the DVLA's digital MOT records for vehicles of this age don't include reliable pass/fail outcomes — detailed test statistics aren't available for this vintage.
What to check before buying a 1986 Mercedes 500 SE Auto
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.
- 📄 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 500 SE Auto
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
CarHunch may earn a small commission if you buy via these links — at no extra cost to you.
Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (99%) | 146 | 0% | 0 |
| Diesel (1%) | 1 | 0% | 0 |
Found a specific Mercedes 500 SE Auto?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.