MOT History from tests of petrol MERCEDES BENZ 260s year 1987

Review the list of common MERCEDES BENZ 260 failures below or to perform a specific mot history check on your MERCEDES BENZ then use our popular KnowYourCar service

mot history

Pass percent:71.12%

(The average a petrol MERCEDES BENZ 260 year 1987 passes without issue)

Based on:1,385 MOT Tests

Most common failures	No# failures
Headlamp aim out of alignment	93
Brake pipe excessively corroded	68
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	43
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive \|7.3.B.1a\|	35
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively	32
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort	24
Rear brake binding	23
Registration plate issues	22
Registration plate lamp issues	22
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	21
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault	19
Offside Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	19
Rear fog lamp tell tale not working \|1.3.1b\|	15
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel \|3.1.6b\|	15
Brake hose excessively deteriorated	14
Offside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	12
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive \|7.3.B.1b\|	12
Offside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	11
Nearside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	10
Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	10
Centre Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	9
Emissions not tested \|7.0\|	9
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	9
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	9
Nearside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	8
Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	8
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	8
Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	7
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	7
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	7
Windscreen has damage	7
Brakes imbalanced across an axle	7
Offside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	7
Nearside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	7
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	6
Rear Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	6
Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	6
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	6
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	6
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	6
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	6
Offside Front Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	5
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	5
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	5
Exhaust emits dense blue smoke at idle \|7.3.A.2b\|	5
Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	5
Nearside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	5
Offside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	5
Offside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	5
Offside Front coil spring cracked \|2.4.C.1a\|	4
Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	4
Nearside Front Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	4
Nearside Rear coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	4
Offside Drag link end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	4
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Nearside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	4
Offside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	4
Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	4
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Exhaust engine idle speed too high \|7.3.A.2a\|	4
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	4
Offside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	4
Exhaust emits excessive dense blue smoke during acceleration \|7.3.A.2c\|	4
Offside Front coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	4
Nearside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	4
Rear fog lamp switch faulty \|1.3.1a\|	4
Offside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	4
Offside Front Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	3
Steering system has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel \|steering box fitted\| \|2.2.A.1a\|	3
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	3
Offside Rear An item not tested \|Manual\|	3
Offside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	3
Nearside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	3
Rear Rear fog lamp tell tale not working \|1.3.1b\|	3
Rear Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	3
Front Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated \|8.2.2\|	3
Nearside Rear Trailing arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	3
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	3
Offside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	3
Offside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	3
Nearside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	3
Horn not working \|1.6.2a\|	3
Nearside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	3
Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	3
Offside Rear Seat belt locking mechanism does not secure or release \|5.2.5a\|	3
Nearside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	3
Nearside Rear Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	3
Nearside Rear brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	3
Nearside Rear Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	3
Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	3
Offside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	2
Parking brake lever defective so that it cannot be satisfactorily operated \|3.1.3c\|	2
Centre Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated \|7.1.1a\|	2
Nearside Front coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	2
Front brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened	2
Offside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	2
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	2
Offside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	2
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	2
Nearside Rear Upper Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Nearside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	2
Offside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	2
Nearside Rear Wheel bolt\|s\| missing \|4.2.A.1e\|	2
Front Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	2
Nearside Rear Sub-frame has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Offside Rear Sub-frame has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Offside Front coil spring broken \|2.4.C.1a\|	2
An item not tested \|Manual\|	2
Nearside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	2
Offside Headlamp insecure \|1.7.3\|	2
Nearside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	2
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	2
Nearside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	2
Rear brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	2
Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	2
Rear Exhaust mounting missing \|7.1.1b\|	2
Nearside Outer Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	2
Hazard warning switch faulty \|1.4.B.1d\|	2
Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	2
Nearside Headlamp excessively damaged so that the light output is severely reduced \|1.7.5a\|	2
Rear brake application uneven	2
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Offside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Front Anti-roll bar missing \|2.4.G.1\|	2
Offside Front Direction indicator incomplete \|1.5.A1b\|	2
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	2
Offside Rear coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	2
Nearside Rear Seat belt retracting mechanism defective \|5.2.5b\|	2
Battery insecure \|1.9.1\|	2
Nearside Rear Statutory seat belt missing \|5.1.1\|	2
Offside Rear Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))	2
Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated \|7.1.1a\|	2
Nearside Front Front wheel bearing rough when rotated \|2.5.A.2\|	2
Nearside Front Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	2
Offside Front Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	2
Nearside Rear Brake cable locking device insecure \|3.5.1l\|	2
Offside Rear Brake cable locking device insecure \|3.5.1l\|	2
Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	2
Offside Rear 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
Nearside Rear Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Offside Rear brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	2
Offside Rear Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Offside Rear Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Windscreen wiper blade insecure	2
Nearside Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	2
Offside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	2

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.

Most common failures	No# failures
Headlamp aim out of alignment	93
Brake pipe excessively corroded	68
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	43
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive \|7.3.B.1a\|	35
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively	32
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort	24
Rear brake binding	23
Registration plate issues	22
Registration plate lamp issues	22
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	21
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault	19
Offside Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	19
Rear fog lamp tell tale not working \|1.3.1b\|	15
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel \|3.1.6b\|	15
Brake hose excessively deteriorated	14
Offside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	12
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive \|7.3.B.1b\|	12
Offside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	11
Nearside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	10
Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	10
Centre Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	9
Emissions not tested \|7.0\|	9
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	9
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	9
Nearside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	8
Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	8
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	8
Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	7
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	7
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	7
Windscreen has damage	7
Brakes imbalanced across an axle	7
Offside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	7
Nearside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	7
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	6
Rear Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	6
Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	6
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	6
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	6
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	6
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	6
Offside Front Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	5
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	5
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	5
Exhaust emits dense blue smoke at idle \|7.3.A.2b\|	5
Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	5
Nearside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	5
Offside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	5
Offside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	5
Offside Front coil spring cracked \|2.4.C.1a\|	4
Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	4
Nearside Front Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	4
Nearside Rear coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	4
Offside Drag link end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	4
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Nearside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	4
Offside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	4
Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	4
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Exhaust engine idle speed too high \|7.3.A.2a\|	4
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	4
Offside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	4
Exhaust emits excessive dense blue smoke during acceleration \|7.3.A.2c\|	4
Offside Front coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	4
Nearside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	4
Rear fog lamp switch faulty \|1.3.1a\|	4
Offside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	4
Offside Front Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	3
Steering system has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel \|steering box fitted\| \|2.2.A.1a\|	3
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	3
Offside Rear An item not tested \|Manual\|	3
Offside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	3
Nearside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	3
Rear Rear fog lamp tell tale not working \|1.3.1b\|	3
Rear Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	3
Front Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated \|8.2.2\|	3
Nearside Rear Trailing arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	3
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	3
Offside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	3
Offside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	3
Nearside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	3
Horn not working \|1.6.2a\|	3
Nearside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	3
Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	3
Offside Rear Seat belt locking mechanism does not secure or release \|5.2.5a\|	3
Nearside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	3
Nearside Rear Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	3
Nearside Rear brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	3
Nearside Rear Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	3
Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	3
Offside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	2
Parking brake lever defective so that it cannot be satisfactorily operated \|3.1.3c\|	2
Centre Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated \|7.1.1a\|	2
Nearside Front coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	2
Front brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened	2
Offside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	2
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	2
Offside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	2
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	2
Nearside Rear Upper Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Nearside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	2
Offside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	2
Nearside Rear Wheel bolt\|s\| missing \|4.2.A.1e\|	2
Front Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	2
Nearside Rear Sub-frame has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Offside Rear Sub-frame has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Offside Front coil spring broken \|2.4.C.1a\|	2
An item not tested \|Manual\|	2
Nearside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	2
Offside Headlamp insecure \|1.7.3\|	2
Nearside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	2
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	2
Nearside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	2
Rear brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	2
Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	2
Rear Exhaust mounting missing \|7.1.1b\|	2
Nearside Outer Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	2
Hazard warning switch faulty \|1.4.B.1d\|	2
Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	2
Nearside Headlamp excessively damaged so that the light output is severely reduced \|1.7.5a\|	2
Rear brake application uneven	2
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Offside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Front Anti-roll bar missing \|2.4.G.1\|	2
Offside Front Direction indicator incomplete \|1.5.A1b\|	2
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	2
Offside Rear coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	2
Nearside Rear Seat belt retracting mechanism defective \|5.2.5b\|	2
Battery insecure \|1.9.1\|	2
Nearside Rear Statutory seat belt missing \|5.1.1\|	2
Offside Rear Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))	2
Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated \|7.1.1a\|	2
Nearside Front Front wheel bearing rough when rotated \|2.5.A.2\|	2
Nearside Front Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	2
Offside Front Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	2
Nearside Rear Brake cable locking device insecure \|3.5.1l\|	2
Offside Rear Brake cable locking device insecure \|3.5.1l\|	2
Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	2
Offside Rear 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
Nearside Rear Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Offside Rear brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	2
Offside Rear Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Offside Rear Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Windscreen wiper blade insecure	2
Nearside Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	2
Offside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	2

MOT History from tests of petrol MERCEDES BENZ 260s year 1987

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