Mercedes E220 CDI Avantgarde Auto (2005)
2005 Mercedes E220 CDI Avantgarde Auto
CarHunch analysed 214 real MOT records for the 2005 Mercedes E220 CDI Avantgarde Auto. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 2005 Mercedes E220 CDI is a serious reliability gamble—just 12.8% of these cars pass their MOT first time against the UK average of 80%, making it one of the least dependable vehicles at this age. The good news is that dangerous defects are not a feature of the cohort, but the near-total failure rate tells you these diesels simply don't hold up well.
At 170,000 miles median, these cars have done typical mileage for their age, but the 0.28 average failures per vehicle during testing suggests fundamental wear rather than isolated issues. If you're seriously considering one, budget for immediate repairs before purchase and have a pre-buy inspection by a Mercedes specialist—this model needs expert scrutiny, not just an MOT.
What to check before buying a 2005 Mercedes E220 CDI Avantgarde 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 E220 CDI Avantgarde Auto
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel (100%) | 213 | 12.9% | 0.28 |
| Gas Bi-Fuel (0%) | 1 | 0% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2005 Mercedes E220 CDI Avantgarde Auto 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 2005 Mercedes E220 CDI Avantgarde Auto vehicles fall between 151,814 and 193,204 miles.
2005 Mercedes E220 CDI Avantgarde Auto — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 14 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2023 (45% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2018–2023.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Mercedes E220 CDI Avantgarde Auto?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.