1999 Mercedes E 3.0L Diesel · S214 EAE
1999 Mercedes E (3.0L, diesel). First registered 01/01/1999. Recorded mileage 86,801 miles. MOT status: Expired. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES E
- Year / Origin
- 1999 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 16/01/2025
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 86,801 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 3.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- DIESEL
- Year
- 1999
- Engine
- 2996cc
S214 EAE Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 31/01/2025
- 86,801 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 3 historical MOT failures
- 19 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (11 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Poor
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.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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S214 EAE Mileage History
- 15/12/202284,631 mi
- 22/12/202284,634 mi+3 mi
- 02/01/202486,458 mi+1,824 mi
- 02/01/202486,458 mi
- 31/01/202586,801 mi+343 mi
Average of roughly 1,019 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
S214 EAE MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1999 Mercedes E (S214 EAE) between December 2022 and January 2025.
The record contains 2 passes and 3 failures.
The most recent test on 31 January 2025 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (11 issues), Brakes (8 issues), Tyres (4 issues), Suspension (3 issues), Bodywork (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 19 advisory notices are 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.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Front Seat belt webbing significantly weakened cut from edge greater than 2mm (7.1.2 (b))”; “Offside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour (4.4.3 (a))”; “Offside Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution. While the mileage is low for the age, the vehicle shows severe structural corrosion and mechanical neglect that make it a high-risk purchase for most.
The primary focus for any buyer must be a professional structural inspection. The history shows 'DANGEROUS' failures for the front sub-frame and suspension arms due to corrosion; you must verify if these repairs were done properly and if the rust is spreading. Check the jacking points and lower body panels for further rot, which is already noted as having holes in areas.
Investigate the full service history, specifically the 3.0L diesel engine's maintenance intervals. Given the previous smoke emission failure in 2022, a pre-purchase compression test would be highly recommended. Negotiate significantly based on the immediate need for new brake pipes, tyres, and a front seat belt assembly, all of which have been flagged or failed in recent tests.
As a 3000cc diesel, expect high fuel consumption compared to modern standards, though it remains efficient on long motorway runs. The tax band for this era of Mercedes is relatively high, and insurance may fall into a higher group depending on your profile.
Maintenance costs can be significant as parts for older German luxury carry a premium. You should budget an annual running cost of approximately £1,400-£1,800 including fuel, tax, insurance, and routine repairs.
Focus heavily on the chassis and braking system. The MOT history lists multiple corroded brake pipes and deteriorated rear brake hoses; check for any signs of fluid leaks or bulging. Inspect the previously corroded front sub-frame and suspension arms to ensure there is no residual thinning or cracking.
Check the interior for safety equipment, specifically the front seat belt webbing, which recently failed for being cut and weakened. Additionally, inspect the headlamp alignment and lens condition, as the car has failed repeatedly for defective lenses and incorrect aim, which may indicate loose mounts or perished internal components.
This 1999 Mercedes-Benz E-Class diesel sits at a relatively low 86,801 miles, which is below average for its age. However, the recent MOT history reveals a concerning pattern of structural decay, including dangerous failures related to the sub-frame and suspension arms. Multiple failures related to brake lines, lighting, and seat belts suggest a vehicle that has not been maintained with high priority.
The W210-generation E-Class is known for high-mileage durability, but is prone to significant rust if not treated in salt climates.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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