1996 Mercedes-Benz E 3.2L Petrol · 25 M
1996 Mercedes-Benz E (3.2L, petrol). First registered 30 Dec 1996. Recorded mileage 32,882 miles. MOT valid until 26 May 2027. Taxed until 01 Aug 2027.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ E
- Year / Origin
- 1996
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 26 May 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Aug 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 32,882 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 3.2L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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.
25 M Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 13/05/2026
- 32,882 miles recorded at latest MOT
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (8 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
25 M MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (25 M) between May 2023 and May 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 14 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (8 issues), Brakes (5 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 14 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.
25 M Mileage History
- 16/05/202327,446 mi
- 24/04/202428,712 mi+1,266 mi
- 28/05/202532,511 mi+3,799 mi
- 13/05/202632,882 mi+371 mi
Average of roughly 1,816 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210)
Our database tracks 6 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Excellent
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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
This 1996 Mercedes E-Class with the 3.2-
Given that this is a 1996 Mercedes E-Class now 30 years old, the MOT history shown only covers the most recent three years, meaning there is a substantial gap in documented testing. Buyers should request any previous MOT certificates and, crucially, evidence of recent servicing including cambelt, coolant, brake fluid and suspension component work — these are areas where age rather than mileage dictates replacement schedules on the W124 E-Class. The 3.2-litre straight-six petrol (likely the E320) is a robust unit but check for oil leaks from the sump, valve cover gaskets and the notorious EGR/ intake manifold area, as well as rust in common W124 areas such as the front wings, wheel arches, sills, jack points and boot floor. Negotiate based on the age and the fact that tyres have been flagged for perishing in three consecutive tests — they will almost certainly need replacing immediately at a cost of several hundred pounds for a quality set.
Fuel economy for the 3.2-litre E320 is unlikely to exceed 25 mpg in real-world mixed driving, with urban figures closer to 18-20 mpg, so budget accordingly for petrol costs. Road tax for a pre-2001 vehicle of this engine size will typically fall in the higher pre-VED bands, and the car is not ULEZ-compliant in London or similar Clean Air Zones. Insurance for a 30-year-old Mercedes E320 in a higher insurance group will be significant, particularly for younger drivers, though classic car insurance may be available if the vehicle is on a limited-use policy. The estimated annual running cost is £1,400-£1,800, accounting for higher fuel consumption, classic-car-style insurance and the likelihood of age-related maintenance on consumables, bushes and seals.
On the test drive, pay particular attention to the operation of the automatic transmission — smooth changes and no slipping on the 3.2-litre straight-six are essential, as gearbox rebuilds are costly. Inspect the tyres closely: the MOT history shows perishing advisories on all four corners in 2024 and 2025, so the rubber is likely original aged-stock or in need of replacement. Examine the underside thoroughly for rust, focusing on the front suspension strut towers, jacking points, sill seams and rear wheel arches — these are notorious W124 weak spots given the car's age. Check for any warning lights on the dashboard and test all electrical functions including the climate control, electric windows and central locking, which are known to develop faults on older Mercedes. Finally, verify the recent brake disc advisories by physically inspecting the discs for lipping and thickness, and budget for replacement if the discs are approaching minimum thickness.
Across four recorded MOT tests between 2023 and 2026, the vehicle has passed every time, with mileage progressing modestly from 27,446 to 32,882 miles. The advisory notes consistently flag tyre perishing on all four corners and brake disc wear, suggesting these are wear-and-tear items that have been monitored but not yet escalated to failures. With no failures recorded and relatively low annual mileage, the MOT paper trail looks acceptable, though the absence of any MOT data prior to 2023 means much of the vehicle's service life is unrecorded.
No aggregate MOT data is available for the Mercedes E-Class specifically, though the W124 generation from this era is widely regarded among enthusiasts as one of the most over-engineered saloons Mercedes produced, with the M104 straight-six engine considered particularly durable when properly maintained.
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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- Severe RustSerious
The W210 generation is notorious for catastrophic corrosion due to Mercedes-Benz adopting water-based eco paints alongside inadequate factory anti-corrosion primer in the mid-1990s. Front spring perches, wheel arches, sill jacking points, door bottoms under rubber weatherstrips, and boot lock apertures suffer severe structural perforation.
- 722.6 Conductor Plate FailureModerate
The 5-speed 722.6 electronic automatic gearbox suffers from failed speed sensors on the internal plastic electro-hydraulic conductor plate. Furthermore, the 13-pin transmission wiring plug pilot bushing O-rings degrade, allowing ATF to wick up the wiring loom straight into the transmission control module in the passenger footwell.
- Front Suspension Upper Spring Perch DetachmentSerious
A lethal structural safety flaw on the W210 chassis is rust developing between the inner wheel arch panel and the spot-welded front upper coil spring perch cup. Severe hidden corrosion causes the welds to tear away completely, resulting in sudden suspension collapse and tyre rubbing.
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