1987 Mercedes-Benz 240 2.4L Diesel · E851 MAS
1987 Mercedes-Benz 240 (2.4L, diesel). First registered 01 Mar 2023. Recorded mileage 22,356 km. MOT expired on 14 Feb 2024.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ 240
- Year / Origin
- 1987 · Chelmsford
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 14 Feb 2024
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (23 Mar 2026)
- Recorded Odometer
- 22,356 km
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 2.4L
- 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.
E851 MAS Key Findings
- 2 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 15/02/2023
- 22,356 km recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring steering items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
E851 MAS MOT History
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 1987 Mercedes-Benz 240 (E851 MAS) between February 2023 and February 2023.
The record contains 1 pass and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 15 February 2023 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Steering (4 issues), Lighting (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
E851 MAS Odometer History
- 15/02/202322,356 km
- 15/02/202322,356 km
Average of roughly 0 km per year across 2 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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: Below 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.
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
Proceed with caution and a thorough mech
When viewing this vehicle, prioritize a physical inspection of the steering system. The 2023 MOT failure specifically cited damaged or deteriorated dust covers on the drag link and track rod ends on both the nearside and offside. You should verify if these components were replaced or if only the covers were addressed, as rubber components on a vehicle of this age can perish regardless of mileage.
Ask the seller for any documentation regarding the repairs made following the February 2023 failure. Given the age of the vehicle, you should also check for signs of fluid leaks around the 2400cc diesel engine and ensure the headlamp alignment, which was a previous failure point, is currently correct and stable.
As a 1987 diesel model, running costs will be influenced by its age and classic status. Fuel economy for a 2.4L diesel of this era is generally moderate, though it will be subject to current diesel pump prices.
Insurance groups for classic Mercedes-Benz models vary widely depending on the driver's profile and the specific policy type (e.g., classic car insurance vs. standard). Maintenance costs for older Mercedes models can be higher due to the availability of parts and the specialist knowledge often required for vintage diesel engines. Expect annual running costs to be higher than a modern equivalent due to potential specialist maintenance requirements.
Focus heavily on the front suspension and steering assembly. The MOT history explicitly recorded failures for the nearside and offside front drag link end ball joint dust covers, as well as the track rod end ball joint dust covers. Check that these are not just present, but that the rubber is supple and free from cracking.
Additionally, inspect the lighting system. The vehicle previously failed on headlamp aim being too high and misaligned. Ensure the headlight adjusters work correctly and the beams are level. Finally, check the condition of all rubber seals and hoses, as low-mileage vehicles from 1987 often suffer from 'dry rot' where components perish from age rather than wear.
This 1987 Mercedes-Benz 240 is a diesel-powered classic with exceptionally low recorded mileage of 22,356 miles. However, its MOT history is limited to a single recorded test in February 2023, which resulted in an initial failure due to steering and lighting issues. The vehicle's value proposition relies heavily on its low usage, but the documented wear on dust covers suggests components may have aged due to lack of movement.
No aggregate reliability data is available for this specific Mercedes-Benz 240 model to provide a comparative statistical overview.
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
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (E851 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as E851MAS.
TOYOTA
HILUX
SUZUKI
RG250
SUZUKI
FORD
ESCORT
FORD
CITROEN
2CV
LAND ROVER
DEFENDER
VESPA (DOUGLAS)
MERCEDES-BENZ
VITO
FORD
ESCORT
CITROEN
2CV
MASERATI
BITURBO
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.