Mercedes-Benz 230

What fails its inspection

Great Britain's MOT record for the 1990 2.3 petrol. 30 of 130 tests failed, 23%.

Better than 38% of 1990 cars. The typical one fails 21%, across 86 models with enough tests behind them to say.

The defects inspectors cite

• The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
• A steering ball joint with excessive wear or free play
• An obligatory rear fog lamp missing, or a front or rear fog lamp inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
• Exhaust system leaking or insecure
• Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement
• Service brake efficiency below minimum requirement

Before you buy one

Built from what this car fails on, not from general knowledge of the model.

• Brakes — 40% of its failures
  • Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement
  • Service brake efficiency below minimum requirement
• Suspension — 30% of its failures
  • The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
• Steering — 20% of its failures
  • A steering ball joint with excessive wear or free play
• Lights and electrics — 37% of its failures
  • An obligatory rear fog lamp missing, or a front or rear fog lamp inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
  • A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
• Body and structure — 13% of its failures
  • The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
• Visibility — 13% of its failures