1999 Mercedes-Benz 212 2.9L Diesel · S821 KBA
1999 Mercedes-Benz 212 (2.9L, diesel). First registered 19/02/1999. Recorded mileage 190,846 miles. MOT status: Expired.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ 212
- Year / Origin
- 1999 · Glasgow
- MOT Status
- Valid until 30/04/2025
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 190,846 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.9L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Diesel
- Year
- 1999
- Engine
- 2874cc
S821 KBA Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 25/04/2024
- 190,846 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 12 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (19 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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S821 KBA Mileage History
- 29/04/2022184,640 mi
- 24/04/2023188,270 mi+3,630 mi
- 02/05/2023188,317 mi+47 mi
- 18/04/2024190,836 mi+2,519 mi
- 25/04/2024190,846 mi+10 mi
Average of roughly 3,118 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
S821 KBA 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-Benz 212 (S821 KBA) between April 2022 and April 2024.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 25 April 2024 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (19 issues), Lighting (14 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (5 issues), Tyres (4 issues), Suspension (3 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 37 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: “Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded to the extent that control of the vehicle is like”; “Offside Rear Inner Anti-roll bar pin or bush excessively worn 'D' bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Nearside Rear Inner Anti-roll bar pin or bush excessively worn 'D' bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution; this vehicle shows signs of structural decay and mechanical neglect. While the 2.9L diesel engine is robust, the persistent rust and brake issues make it a high-risk purchase.
If you are considering this car, a professional structural inspection is non-negotiable. The history shows multiple 'Dangerous' and 'Major' failures regarding the chassis legs, suspension mounts, and seat belt anchorages. You must verify if the rust is merely surface-level or deep-seated structural rot that would ruin the car.
Check for a comprehensive service history. Given the high mileage and noted oil leaks, you need to know if the timing components and fluids have been replaced regularly. Negotiate aggressively based on the immediate work required for the brake pipes, anti-roll bar bushes, and exhaust system, which have appeared repeatedly across the last five years.
The 2874cc diesel engine is capable of long distances, but tax and parts for Mercedes can be costly. It will likely fall into a mid-to-high insurance group due to its engine size and age as a luxury brand.
Annual running costs are estimated at £1,200-£1,600, accounting for high fuel consumption and the high likelihood of frequent mechanical repairs as seen in the MOT history.
Focus heavily on the underbody. The MOT history repeatedly cites corrosion on rear wheel arches, brake pipes, and suspension mounts. Specifically check the seat belt anchorages and the chassis legs, as these have been flagged as major structural concerns in the past.
Examine the braking system thoroughly. The car has a history of corroded brake pipes and poor parking brake efficiency. Additionally, inspect the anti-roll bar bushes and ball joints, which have been a constant source of wear on this specific vehicle.
This 1999 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (212) has covered nearly 191,000 miles and exhibits a history of significant maintenance issues. The MOT record reveals a pattern of major failures related to structural corrosion, brake system deterioration, and suspension wear. Despite a clean pass in its most recent test, the recurring advisories for rust and oil leaks suggest a vehicle nearing its economical operational end.
The early early 212-series Mercedes diesel engines are known for high mileage longevity, but the bodies of this era are susceptible to significant rust issues if not treated.
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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