MOT History from tests of petrol MERCEDES BENZ 230s year 1979

Review the list of common MERCEDES BENZ 230 failures below or to perform a specific mot history check on your MERCEDES BENZ then use our popular KnowYourCar service

mot history

Pass percent:64.21%

(The average a petrol MERCEDES BENZ 230 year 1979 passes without issue)

Based on:394 MOT Tests

Most common failures	No# failures
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive \|7.3.B.1a\|	26
Headlamp aim out of alignment	23
Brake hose excessively deteriorated	15
Brake pipe excessively corroded	15
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	14
Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	14
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	13
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	12
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively	11
Brakes imbalanced across an axle	10
Rear brake binding	10
Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	9
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive \|7.3.B.1b\|	7
Registration plate lamp issues	7
Registration plate issues	7
Nearside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	7
Nearside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	6
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	5
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	5
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	5
Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	5
Nearside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	4
Offside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	4
Offside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	4
Emissions not tested \|7.0\|	4
Driver`s seat cannot be secured in the upright position. \|6.2.A.2\|	4
Front brake application uneven	4
Nearside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	4
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	4
Offside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	4
Offside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	3
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	3
Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	3
Nearside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	3
Steering system has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel \|steering box fitted\| \|2.2.A.1a\|	3
Nearside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	3
Nearside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	3
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	3
Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	3
Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	3
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort	3
Offside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	2
Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	2
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is inadequately repaired \|2.4.A.3\|	2
Battery insecure \|1.9.1\|	2
Centre Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	2
Steering damper leaking oil \|2.2.C.1f\|	2
Nearside Inner Front Upper Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	2
Nearside Front Steering pivot point has excessive play \|2.2.B.1g\|	2
Offside Front coil spring corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened \|2.4.C.1b\|	2
Nearside Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	2
Offside Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	2
Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	2
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	2
Brake performance not tested \|3.7.A.1\|	2
Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	2
Nearside Front Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	2
Nearside Front Passenger`s seat cannot be secured in the upright position. \|6.2.A.2\|	2
Nearside Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	2
Offside Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	2
Offside Front Driver`s seat cannot be secured in the upright position. \|6.2.A.2\|	2
Nearside Rear coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	2
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel \|3.1.6b\|	2
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	2
Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	2
Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Offside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	2
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	2
Nearside Headlamp excessively deteriorated so that the light output is severely reduced \|1.7.5a\|	2
Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	2
Rear Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	2
Offside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	2
Nearside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	2
Brake pedal creeps down when held under pressure \|3.3.B.1a\|	2
Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	2
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	2
Nearside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	2
Offside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	2
Centre Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated \|7.1.1a\|	1
Exhaust emissions - engine idle speed too high emission filed (8.2.1.2 (e))	1
Offside Steering component deformed and unserviceable track rod \|2.2.C.1d\|	1
Offside Rear Body or chassis has an unsatisfactory modification, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Nearside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded Sill \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Offside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings inner sil \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Nearside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings inner sil \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings floor \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Nearside Front coil spring corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened \|2.4.C.1b\|	1
Offside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	1
Exhaust system not adequately supported rear box \|7.1.1\|	1
Nearside Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	1
Offside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	1
Offside Rear front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	1
Nearside Rear front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	1
Brake hose has insufficient room to move	1
Nearside Outer Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Offside Outer Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	1
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Rear An item not tested \|Manual\|	1
Nearside Front An item not tested \|Manual\|	1
Front passenger seat cannot be secured in the upright position. \|6.2.4\|	1
Offside Brake master cylinder/servo mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|3.6.C.3\|	1
Nearside Front Upper Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Offside Front Upper Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Rear Exhaust mounting missing \|7.1.1b\|	1
Offside Rear Direction indicator missing \|1.4.A.2b\|	1
Nearside Driver`s seat cannot be secured in the upright position. \|6.2.A.2\|	1
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is inadequately repaired \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Front Passenger`s seat cannot be secured in the upright position. \|6.2.A.2\|	1
Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	1
Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	1
Offside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	1
Offside Front Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	1
Nearside Outer Lower Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm attachment bracket/mounting corroded and its strength is seriously reduced \|2.4.G.1\|	1
Nearside Front Direction indicator incomplete \|1.5.A1b\|	1
Front Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	1
Nearside Front Seat belt retracting mechanism defective \|5.2.5b\|	1
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|6.1.2 \|a\|\|	1
Front Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	1
Offside Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated \|8.2.2\|	1
Nearside Rear Sub-frame rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Offside Rear Sub-frame rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	1
Nearside Front Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	1
Power steering pipe\|s\| or hose\|s\| leaking from a joint \|2.3.3b\|	1
Horn not working \|1.6.2a\|	1
An item not tested \|Manual\|	1
Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	1
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| adversely affected by the operation of another lamp \|1.1.A.3f\|	1
Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Nearside Front brake caliper leaking \|3.6.A.1\|	1
Nearside Front Wheel nut\|s\| missing \|4.2.A.1e\|	1
Nearside Front Passengers seat backrest cannot be secured in the upright position. (6.2.6 (a) (i))	1
Offside Drivers seat backrest cannot be secured in the upright position. (6.2.5 (b) (ii))	1
Offside Headlamp excessively damaged so that the light output is severely reduced \|1.7.5a\|	1
Offside Front Seat belt retracting mechanism defective \|5.2.5b\|	1
Nearside Rear Coil spring fractured or broken \|5.3.1 \|b\| \|i\|\|	1
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive \|8.2.1.2 \|b\|\|	1
Parking brake efficiency below requirements \|1.4.2 \|a\| \|i\|\|	1
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| adversely affected by the operation of another lamp \|1.1.A.3f\|	1
Offside Stop lamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp \|1.2.1f\|	1
Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	1
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	1
Offside Headlamp excessively deteriorated so that the light output is severely reduced \|1.7.5a\|	1
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	1
Offside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	1
Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Rear Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive \|7.3.B.1b\|	1
Nearside Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively damaged so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	1
Nearside Rear Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	1
Nearside Steering pivot point has excessive play \|2.2.B.1g\|	1
Driver`s seat insecure \|6.2.A.1\|	1
Front passenger seat insecure \|6.2.3\|	1
Power steering component\|s\| leaking from a failed seal \|2.3.3b\|	1
Offside Front Lower Shock absorber insecure \|2.7.2b\|	1
Front Headlamps matched pair are not the same colour \|1.7.6\|	1
Offside Front Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Centre Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	1
Nearside Rear Brake hose twisted \|3.6.B.4c\|	1
Offside Rear Brake hose twisted \|3.6.B.4c\|	1
Offside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	1
Nearside Front suspension has excessive play in a upper suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	1
front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	1
Brake pedal spongy \|3.3.B.1b\|	1
Nearside Front Driver`s seat cannot be secured in the upright position. \|6.2.A.2\|	1
Nearside Front Vehicle structure is cracked, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Offside Rear Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	1
Nearside Rear Sub-frame has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Offside Front Coil spring mounting corroded and seriously weakened \|2.4.C.3c\|	1
Exhaust engine idle speed too high \|7.3.A.2a\|	1
Nearside Steering column flexible coupling has excessive play \|2.1.5\|	1
Nearside Rear Body or chassis has an unsatisfactory modification, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Centre Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings flor \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Nearside Front Upper Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings panel \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Offside Front Upper Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings panel \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Offside Lower Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings seal \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Nearside Lower Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings seal \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Brake master cylinder fluid level below minimum level \|3.6.G.1e\|	1
Offside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	1
Centre Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	1
Centre Front Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	1
Nearside Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings panel \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Offside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings panel \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Nearside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings panel \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Offside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings panel \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	1
Nearside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition off \|1.4.B.1f\|	1
Nearside Front wheel bearing rough when rotated \|2.5.A.2\|	1
Offside Rear Anti-roll bar attachment bracket/mounting corroded and its strength is seriously reduced \|2.4.G.1\|	1
Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar attachment bracket/mounting corroded and its strength is seriously reduced \|2.4.G.1\|	1
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar attachment bracket/mounting corroded and its strength is seriously reduced \|2.4.G.1\|	1
Offside Front Anti-roll bar attachment bracket/mounting corroded and its strength is seriously reduced \|2.4.G.1\|	1
Nearside Outer Sub-frame attachment bracket/mounting corroded and its strength is seriously reduced \|2.4.G.1\|	1
Offside Outer Sub-frame attachment bracket/mounting corroded and its strength is seriously reduced \|2.4.G.1\|	1
Nearside Rear Sub-frame attachment bracket/mounting corroded and its strength is seriously reduced \|2.4.G.1\|	1
Offside Rear Sub-frame attachment bracket/mounting corroded and its strength is seriously reduced \|2.4.G.1\|	1
Front Steering damper leaking oil \|2.2.C.1f\|	1
Offside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	1
Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Offside Inner Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Nearside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Offside Rear brake caliper has restricted free movement \|3.5.1k\|	1
Offside Body or chassis has an unsatisfactory modification, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Front Fuel system component leaking \|7.2.3\|	1
Front Service brake excessively binding \|1.2.1 \|f\|\|	1
Offside Front Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))	1
Nearside Front Seat belt damaged sufficient to obstruct correct operation of the belt \|5.2.2a\|	1
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	1
Offside Front wheel bearing rough when rotated \|2.5.A.2\|	1
Nearside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	1
Offside Front Brake pipe kinked \|3.6.B.2b\|	1
Offside front brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	1
Nearside Front Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	1
Offside Front Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	1
Offside Front Passenger`s seat cannot be secured in the upright position. \|6.2.A.2\|	1
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	1
Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	1
Rear fog lamp tell tale not working \|1.3.1b\|	1
Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Offside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	1
Nearside Front Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	1
Centre Front Upper Steering column shaft has excessive end float \|2.1.3\|	1
Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	1
Offside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings sill/floor as marked \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	1
Offside rear brake juddering severely \|3.7.A.5b\|	1
Offside Inner Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings sill as indicated \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Nearside Outer Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings sill as indicated \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Nearside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings as indicated \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Offside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings as indicated \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Nearside Inner Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings as indicated \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Offside Outer Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings as indicated \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	1
Windscreen has a sticker or other obstruction encroaching into the swept area by more than 40mm outside zone `A` \|8.3.1e\|	1
Offside Rear Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	1
Offside Inner Front Upper Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Front Lower Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Offside Inner Rear Lower Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Nearside Inner Rear Lower Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Offside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by damage \|6.1.C.1\|	1
Offside Steering lock stop missing \|2.2.D.2c\|	1
Nearside Front Steering arm has relative movement at its fixings \|2.2.B.1h\|	1
Brake fluid warning lamp illuminated \|3.6.G.2\|	1
Nearside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Offside Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Offside Rear Brake pipe leaking \|3.6.A.1\|	1
Braking system leaking \|3.6.A.1\|	1
Offside Front Fuel hose leaking \|7.2.3\|	1

We get to these numbers by trawling through over 1 billion MOT test results since 2004 and crunched the numbers. We remove anything to do with Tyres, as they are model independent and group together common non-model specific issues. We are trying to get to a picture of what models have what issues.

Please note: We take the data from the DVSA. This data is raw and can contain typos and spelling mistakes that garages may have entered while recording a MOT result. Specifically miss-match on names of models and makes. We are constantly cleaning the data so bear with the odd issue.

Got suggestions? We’re improving this section all the time. If you have any suggestions, please let us know.

MOT History from tests of petrol MERCEDES BENZ 230s year 1979

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