Mercedes E240 Elegance Auto (2002)
2002 Mercedes E240 Elegance Auto
CarHunch analysed 120 real MOT records for the 2002 Mercedes E240 Elegance Auto. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 2002 Mercedes E240 is a serious reliability red flag — just 3.9% of these cars pass their MOT first time, compared to the UK average of 80%, and the petrol versions show a 0% pass rate, meaning every single one tested required repairs before passing. While dangerous defects are absent from this cohort, the staggering failure rate suggests these 22-year-old cars are wearing out badly and will demand expensive attention before they're roadworthy again.
At an average mileage of 90,926 miles, these examples are actually well-used for their age, which partly explains the failures — but the real issue is that W210 E-Class models are expensive to fix, with suspension, electrical, and transmission problems common in later life. If you're considering one, budget heavily for immediate repairs and a pre-purchase inspection by a Mercedes specialist, because the numbers show you're buying a project, not a functioning car.
What to check before buying a 2002 Mercedes E240 Elegance 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 Elegance 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 (94%) | 113 | 0% | 0 |
| Other (5%) | 6 | 77.7% | 1.33 |
| Gas Bi-Fuel (1%) | 1 | 0% | 0 |
MOT History Averages
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