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Official DVLA Record
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1984 Mercedes 280 2.7L Petrol · B556 SEH

B556 SEH

1984 Mercedes 280 (2.7L, petrol). First registered 01/12/1984. Recorded mileage 116,248 miles. MOT status: Expired. Taxed until 01/04/2027.

Make & Model
MERCEDES 280
Year / Origin
1984 · Birmingham
Safety Recall
Unknown
MOT Status
Valid until 14/05/2025
Road Tax
Taxed (01/04/2027)
Recorded Mileage
116,248 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
Fuel & Engine
PETROL · 2.7L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Expired
Valid until 14/05/2025
Tax Status
Taxed
Tax due 01/04/2027
Fuel Type
PETROL
Year
1984
Engine
2746cc

B556 SEH Key Findings

  • 3 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 16/05/2024
  • 116,248 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.

Updating live data
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
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Full History Report

Official provenance and safety check for B556SEH

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Stolen
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Finance
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Write-off
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Salvage
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Imported
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Exported
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Scrapped
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Destruction
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V5C Logbook
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B556 SEH Mileage History

  1. 04/05/2022115,439 mi
  2. 09/05/2023115,856 mi+417 mi
  3. 16/05/2024116,248 mi+392 mi

Average of roughly 398 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.

B556 SEH MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 6 Sept 2026, 15:02
MOT Analysis

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

3 MOT tests are recorded for this 1984 Mercedes 280 (B556 SEH) between May 2022 and May 2024.

The record contains 3 passes and 0 failures.

No failures or advisories appear anywhere in the recorded tests, so the documented MOT record is relatively clean.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
75/100
Risk Level
Low
Low
Est. Annual Cost
£1,500-£2,000
Mileage
At 116,248 miles over 40 years, the mile...

Our Verdict

This 1984 Mercedes 280 is a strong candi

When inspecting a vehicle of this age, prioritising a thorough physical inspection is essential regardless of the recent MOT record. Check the bodywork and chassis thoroughly for signs of rust, particularly around the wheel arches, sills, and floor pans, as these are common areas for corrosion on 1980s Mercedes models.

Ensure you request all available service history documentation, as the MOT record only confirms the vehicle met safety standards at the time of testing. Verify that the 2.7-litre engine runs smoothly at idle and check for any signs of overheating or fluid leaks, as replacement parts for this specific engine variant can be specialised.

As a vehicle from 1984, this Mercedes 280 may qualify for historic vehicle tax exemption, though you should confirm this with the DVLA. Insurance costs will depend on your chosen provider and whether you opt for a classic car policy, which often requires limited annual mileage.

Running a 2746.0cc petrol engine will result in significant fuel consumption compared to modern vehicles. Budget for higher maintenance costs, as sourcing period-correct parts for a 40-year-old car can be more expensive and time-consuming than for a modern equivalent.

Focus your inspection on the structural integrity of the vehicle, as MOT tests do not cover the aesthetic or long-term structural health of the body panels. Check the rubber seals around the windows and doors for perishing, which can lead to water ingress and subsequent interior damage.

Inspect the suspension components and bushings, as these parts wear naturally over time and may not have been highlighted as failures in recent MOT tests. Additionally, test all electrical components, including the instrument cluster and climate controls, as these are common failure points for vehicles of this era.

Registered in December 1984, this silver Mercedes 280 has covered 116,248 miles. The MOT history from 2022 to 2024 shows three consecutive passes with no defects recorded, indicating a period of stable mechanical performance. It represents a classic German saloon with a significant engine capacity of 2746.0cc.

While aggregate MOT data is unavailable for this specific model, Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era are generally recognised for robust engineering, provided they have been protected from corrosion.

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