Mercedes E240 Classic Auto (1998)
1998 Mercedes E240 Classic Auto
CarHunch analysed 130 real MOT records for the 1998 Mercedes E240 Classic Auto. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 1998 Mercedes E240 is in serious trouble: just 2.5% of these cars pass their MOT first time, compared to the UK average of 80%, and petrol versions achieve a 0% pass rate. No dangerous defects have been recorded, which is the only bright spot, but the sheer scale of MOT failure suggests systemic issues with age, maintenance, or engineering that make this model genuinely problematic to own.
At an average of 82,830 miles, these cars are well-used but not unusually high-mileage for their age; the problem isn't wear alone. With almost no recorded failures or advisories per vehicle in the database, the data appears incomplete or the cars are being withdrawn from testing before completion—either way, a 2.5% first-time pass rate tells you to have a full pre-purchase inspection by an independent Mercedes specialist and budget heavily for imminent repairs.
What to check before buying a 1998 Mercedes E240 Classic 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 E240 Classic 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (97%) | 126 | 0% | 0 |
| Other (2%) | 3 | 80.6% | 1 |
| Gas Bi-Fuel (1%) | 1 | 80% | 2 |
MOT History Averages
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