MOT History from tests of petrol MERCEDES BENZ 500s year 1987

Review the list of common MERCEDES BENZ 500 failures below or to perform a specific mot history check on your MERCEDES BENZ then use our popular KnowYourCar service

mot history

Pass percent:73.64%

(The average a petrol MERCEDES BENZ 500 year 1987 passes without issue)

Based on:3,922 MOT Tests

Most common failures	No# failures
Headlamp aim out of alignment	250
Brake pipe excessively corroded	109
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively	96
Registration plate lamp issues	81
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive \|7.3.B.1a\|	80
Rear brake binding	57
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	50
Brakes imbalanced across an axle	44
Brake hose excessively deteriorated	43
Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	37
Registration plate issues	36
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault	34
Hazard warning switch faulty \|1.4.B.1d\|	24
Nearside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	24
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	24
Nearside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	21
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	21
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort	21
Offside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	20
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	20
Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	19
Centre Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	19
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	18
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive \|7.3.B.1b\|	18
Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	17
Rear fog lamp tell tale not working \|1.3.1b\|	17
Nearside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	17
Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	17
Horn not working \|1.6.2a\|	16
Offside Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	16
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	15
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	15
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	14
Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	14
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	13
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	13
Offside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	13
Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	12
Windscreen washer not working	12
Offside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	12
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	11
Offside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	11
Nearside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	11
Windscreen has damage	11
Exhaust engine idle speed too high \|7.3.A.2a\|	11
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	11
Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	10
Hazard warning lamps inoperative \|1.4.B.1b\|	10
Battery insecure \|1.9.1\|	10
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	10
Offside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	9
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	9
Offside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	9
Nearside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	9
Rear Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	9
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	9
Power steering component\|s\| leaking \|2.3.3b\|	9
Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	8
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	8
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))	8
Nearside Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	8
Offside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	8
Nearside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	8
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	8
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	8
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	7
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition on \|1.4.B.1f\|	7
Offside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	7
Offside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	7
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	7
Offside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	7
Nearside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	7
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	7
Nearside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	6
Nearside Rear Wheel bolt\|s\| missing \|4.2.A.1e\|	6
Steering box has a significant oil leak \|2.2.D.2e\|	6
Offside Front Brake hose leaking \|3.6.A.1\|	6
Offside Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	6
Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	6
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	6
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Rear Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	6
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel \|3.1.6b\|	6
Exhaust mounting missing \|7.1.1b\|	6
Nearside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))	6
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive \|8.2.1.2 \|b\|\|	5
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Horn not working (7.7 (a) (ii))	5
Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	5
Offside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	5
Steering system has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel \|steering box fitted\| \|2.2.A.1a\|	5
Offside Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated \|8.2.2\|	5
Nearside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	5
Front brake application uneven	5
Offside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	5
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Parking brake lever defective so that it cannot be satisfactorily operated \|3.1.3c\|	5
Centre Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated \|7.1.1a\|	5
Driver`s seat cannot be secured in the upright position. \|6.2.A.2\|	5
Front Steering damper leaking oil \|2.2.C.1f\|	5
Offside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	5
Emissions not tested \|7.0\|	5
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition off \|1.4.B.1f\|	4
Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	4
Nearside Front Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))	4
Nearside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	4
Nearside Front passenger seat cannot be secured in the upright position. \|6.2.4\|	4
Nearside Front Wheel bolt\|s\| missing \|4.2.A.1e\|	4
Offside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	4
Nearside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	4
Driver`s seat fore and aft adjustment mechanism not functioning as intended. \|6.2.A.3\|	4
Offside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	4
Offside Front Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	4
Nearside Front Steering pivot point has excessive play \|2.2.B.1g\|	4
Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Offside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Offside Front Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated \|8.2.2\|	4
Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	4
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	4
Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))	4
Exhaust emits excessive dense blue smoke during acceleration \|7.3.A.2c\|	4
Brake hose damaged	4
Nearside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	4
Nearside Inner Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	4
Offside Rear brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	4
Exhaust emits dense blue smoke at idle \|7.3.A.2b\|	4
Fuel hose leaking \|7.2.3\|	4
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	4
Nearside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	4

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	250
Brake pipe excessively corroded	109
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively	96
Registration plate lamp issues	81
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive \|7.3.B.1a\|	80
Rear brake binding	57
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	50
Brakes imbalanced across an axle	44
Brake hose excessively deteriorated	43
Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	37
Registration plate issues	36
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault	34
Hazard warning switch faulty \|1.4.B.1d\|	24
Nearside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	24
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	24
Nearside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	21
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	21
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort	21
Offside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	20
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	20
Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	19
Centre Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	19
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	18
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive \|7.3.B.1b\|	18
Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	17
Rear fog lamp tell tale not working \|1.3.1b\|	17
Nearside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	17
Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	17
Horn not working \|1.6.2a\|	16
Offside Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	16
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	15
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	15
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	14
Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	14
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	13
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	13
Offside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	13
Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	12
Windscreen washer not working	12
Offside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	12
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	11
Offside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	11
Nearside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	11
Windscreen has damage	11
Exhaust engine idle speed too high \|7.3.A.2a\|	11
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	11
Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	10
Hazard warning lamps inoperative \|1.4.B.1b\|	10
Battery insecure \|1.9.1\|	10
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	10
Offside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	9
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	9
Offside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	9
Nearside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	9
Rear Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	9
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	9
Power steering component\|s\| leaking \|2.3.3b\|	9
Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	8
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	8
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))	8
Nearside Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	8
Offside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	8
Nearside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	8
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	8
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	8
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	7
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition on \|1.4.B.1f\|	7
Offside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	7
Offside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	7
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	7
Offside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	7
Nearside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	7
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	7
Nearside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	6
Nearside Rear Wheel bolt\|s\| missing \|4.2.A.1e\|	6
Steering box has a significant oil leak \|2.2.D.2e\|	6
Offside Front Brake hose leaking \|3.6.A.1\|	6
Offside Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	6
Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	6
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	6
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Rear Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	6
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel \|3.1.6b\|	6
Exhaust mounting missing \|7.1.1b\|	6
Nearside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))	6
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive \|8.2.1.2 \|b\|\|	5
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Horn not working (7.7 (a) (ii))	5
Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	5
Offside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	5
Steering system has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel \|steering box fitted\| \|2.2.A.1a\|	5
Offside Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated \|8.2.2\|	5
Nearside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	5
Front brake application uneven	5
Offside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	5
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Parking brake lever defective so that it cannot be satisfactorily operated \|3.1.3c\|	5
Centre Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated \|7.1.1a\|	5
Driver`s seat cannot be secured in the upright position. \|6.2.A.2\|	5
Front Steering damper leaking oil \|2.2.C.1f\|	5
Offside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	5
Emissions not tested \|7.0\|	5
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition off \|1.4.B.1f\|	4
Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	4
Nearside Front Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))	4
Nearside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	4
Nearside Front passenger seat cannot be secured in the upright position. \|6.2.4\|	4
Nearside Front Wheel bolt\|s\| missing \|4.2.A.1e\|	4
Offside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	4
Nearside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	4
Driver`s seat fore and aft adjustment mechanism not functioning as intended. \|6.2.A.3\|	4
Offside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	4
Offside Front Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	4
Nearside Front Steering pivot point has excessive play \|2.2.B.1g\|	4
Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Offside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Offside Front Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated \|8.2.2\|	4
Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	4
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	4
Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))	4
Exhaust emits excessive dense blue smoke during acceleration \|7.3.A.2c\|	4
Brake hose damaged	4
Nearside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	4
Nearside Inner Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	4
Offside Rear brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	4
Exhaust emits dense blue smoke at idle \|7.3.A.2b\|	4
Fuel hose leaking \|7.2.3\|	4
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	4
Nearside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	4

MOT History from tests of petrol MERCEDES BENZ 500s year 1987

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