IsItAGoodCar
Official DVLA Record
Road Tax Paid

1978 Mercedes-Benz 350 3.5L Petrol · BHJ 356S

BHJ 356S

1978 Mercedes-Benz 350 (3.5L, petrol). First registered 02 May 1978. Recorded mileage 96,908 miles. MOT expired on 14 Oct 2026. Taxed until 01 Apr 2027.

Make & Model
MERCEDES-BENZ 350
Year / Origin
1978 · Birmingham
Safety Recall
Unknown
MOT Status
Expired on 14 Oct 2026
Road Tax
Taxed (01 Apr 2027)
Recorded Mileage
96,908 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
Fuel & Engine
Petrol · 3.5L
Reliability Guide
Available on IAGC
MOT Status
Expired
Expired on 14 Oct 2026
Tax Status
Taxed
Tax due 01 Apr 2027
Fuel Type
Petrol
Year
1978
Engine
3499cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

The vehicle currently holds a roadworthy status with an improving maintenance trend following several recurring issues. The most recent test conducted in October 2025 at 96,908 miles resulted in a clean pass, indicating that previous mechanical and safety defects have been addressed. This represents a significant improvement from the July 2020 failure where the car was rejected for a non-functional washer system and damaged seat belts. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 48-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 2,019 miles per year. Data shows a period of relative inactivity between September 2022 and October 2025, where the car covered only 1,090 miles over three years. This pattern suggests the vehicle sits for long periods. While low mileage reduces wear on the drivetrain and engine components, it often leads to the degradation of rubber-based parts and the accumulation of corrosion, which is consistent with the historical issues noted in the records. A physical inspection must focus on the structural integrity and the condition of the braking system. The 2021 test flagged corroded corrosion on the nearside front brake pipe that was covered in grease, a common tactic used to hide oxidation. The buyer should verify that the brake lines and fuel lines are free of structural pitting despite the vehicle's age. Additionally, the recurring reports of seat belt webbing damage between 2020 and 2021 necessitate a thorough check to ensure the mechanisms have been replaced rather than merely repaired.
Used Car Buyer Alert1 in 3 UK cars has hidden active finance or write-off history

Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.

£20,000 Experian Guarantee· 80+ check points · Instant results

BHJ 356S Key Findings

  • 2 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 16/10/2025
  • 96,908 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • No defects recorded at the latest MOT

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

BHJ 356S MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 15 Sept 2026, 04:00
MOT Analysis

Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

2 MOT tests are recorded for this 1978 Mercedes-Benz 350 (BHJ 356S) between September 2022 and October 2025.

The record contains 2 passes and 0 failures.

The record shows no MOT failures, although 1 advisory notice notes an item to monitor.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 1 advisory notice is recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

BHJ 356S Mileage History

  1. 08/09/202295,818 mi
  2. 16/10/202596,908 mi+1,090 mi

Average of roughly 351 miles per year across 2 recorded odometer readings.

Technical Specifications

May be subject to ULEZ charges

Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence

Estimate current market value

Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.

MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
65
/ 100 · Average
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Average

This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.

MOT Expired or Failed
Taxed
Exceptional MOT pass rate (100%)
Older vehicle
Experian Provenance Check

Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.

Experian Provenance Data

Vehicle Provenance Investigation

9 Key Registers

Comprehensive register checks across Experian, MIAFTR, Police National Computer, and DVLA records.

CHECK REQUIRED

OUTSTANDING FINANCE

Experian Register

Checks Experian asset registers to identify any active PCP, HP, or loan agreements.

Experian Asset Register: [Query Required]
Agreements & Lender Search: [Check to Reveal]
Experian Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

MIAFTR Register

Checks the UK insurance total loss register for Category A, B, S, or N write-offs.

MIAFTR Insurance Database: [Query Required]
Write-Off Category & Date: [Check to Reveal]
MIAFTR Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

POLICE STOLEN (PNC)

Police PNC

Searches the UK Police National Computer (PNC) for active stolen vehicle reports.

Police National Computer: [Query Required]
Active Stolen Marker Search: [Check to Reveal]
Police Computer:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

SALVAGE & AUCTION

Salvage Registers

Cross-checks major UK salvage databases to identify if this vehicle has ever been listed in a salvage auction.

Salvage Auction Registries: [Query Required]
Trade Auction Disposal Lots: [Check to Reveal]
Salvage Registries:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

IMPORTED RECORD

Import Register

Checks vehicle registration records to verify if this vehicle was imported from abroad.

Import & Prior VRM Register: [Query Required]
Country of Origin Audit: [Check to Reveal]
Import Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

EXPORTED MARKER

Export Register

Checks whether the vehicle has been marked for permanent or temporary export from the UK.

Customs & Export Register: [Query Required]
UK Road Eligibility Marker: [Check to Reveal]
Export Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

SCRAPPED RECORD

Scrappage Register

Validates whether the car has been surrendered or notified as scrapped to an Authorized Treatment Facility.

Scrappage & ATF Register: [Query Required]
Disposal Notification Check: [Check to Reveal]
Scrappage Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

Statutory CoD

Confirms whether a statutory Certificate of Destruction has been issued against this chassis.

Certificate of Destruction Register: [Query Required]
Statutory Scrapping Decrees: [Check to Reveal]
Destruction Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

DVLA Master

Audits number of registered keepers and latest V5C logbook issue date.

DVLA Logbook Issue Date: [Query Required]
Previous Keepers Count: [Check to Reveal]
DVLA Keeper Master:QUERY REQUIRED
£20,000 Experian Data Guarantee Included

Avoid an Average £4,200 Loss on Undisclosed Vehicle Risks

Free DVLA records only confirm basic tax and MOT roadworthiness. 1 in 3 UK cars has hidden PCP/HP finance, insurance write-off categories, or unrecorded salvage history. Run the full check across all 9 registers with £20,000 Experian data guarantee protection.

HPI Check
£19.99
Single vehicle check
carVertical
£37.99
Single report
RAC Check
£14.99
Standard history
BEST VALUE
IsItAGoodCar
£8.99
Save over 55%
Instant on-screen report Official PDF emailed £20k Experian guarantee One-off, no subscription Apple Pay / Google Pay / cards

Data provided by Experian