2008 Mercedes Sprinter 2.1L Diesel · OV08 UBE
2008 Mercedes Sprinter (2.1L, diesel). First registered 01 May 2008. Recorded mileage 202,274 miles. MOT valid until 27 Jul 2027. Taxed until 01 Sept 2027. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES SPRINTER
- Year / Origin
- 2008 · Oxford
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 27 Jul 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Sept 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 202,274 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 2.1L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Outstanding Safety Recall Notice
Action RequiredOfficial DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.
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.
OV08 UBE Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 29/07/2026
- 202,274 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 10 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
OV08 UBE 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 2008 Mercedes Sprinter (OV08 UBE) between June 2024 and July 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 29 July 2026 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: Tyres (22 issues), Steering (12 issues), Lighting (4 issues), Suspension (4 issues), Windscreen (3 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 40 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 Windscreen damaged and affecting the driver's view of the road (3.2 (a) (ii))”; “Offside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.1.3 (b) (i))”; “Supplementary restraint system warning lamp indicates a fault (7.1.6 (a))”.
OV08 UBE Mileage History
- 20/06/2024189,919 mi
- 28/06/2025197,205 mi+7,286 mi
- 09/07/2025197,212 mi+7 mi
- 15/07/2026202,264 mi+5,052 mi
- 29/07/2026202,274 mi+10 mi
Average of roughly 5,866 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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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.
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
Exercise significant caution. While it h
The most critical point for negotiation is the steering rack. The 'play in steering rack inner joint(s)' has appeared on MOT records in 2024, 2025, and 2026, suggesting a long-term issue that has not been fully rectified. You should request proof of any steering system overhauls or budget for a replacement rack.
Additionally, verify that the SRS (airbag) warning lamp fault and the windscreen damage from the July 2026 failure have been professionally repaired. Given the mileage, a full service history is essential to understand if the timing chain and other major engine components have been addressed.
As a 2.1L diesel, fuel economy will be typical for a medium-sized van of this era, though efficiency may have declined with 200,000+ miles. Tax and insurance will be based on its commercial classification and engine size, which are standard for the Sprinter range.
Maintenance costs are likely to be higher than average. The MOT history shows frequent issues with tyres, suspension, and exhaust components, suggesting that keeping this vehicle roadworthy will require a consistent budget for wear-and-tear parts.
Prioritise an inspection of the steering and suspension. Specifically, check for play in the steering rack inner joints and the condition of the power steering pump and hoses, following the 'hydraulic leak' noted in July 2026. Inspect the shock absorbers, as the nearside rear was flagged for casing damage and the fronts had serious leaks in 2025.
Check all tyres for wear and side-wall damage, as the vehicle has a history of tyres being worn close to the legal limit or being damaged. Finally, ensure the hazard warning switch and all external lighting are fully operational, following previous failures in this area.
This yellow 2008 Mercedes Sprinter has covered 202,274 miles, reflecting heavy commercial use. The MOT history reveals a persistent pattern of wear, most notably recurring advisories for play in the steering rack inner joints dating back to June 2024. Recent records from 2026 also highlight a power steering hydraulic leak and a failure involving the SRS warning lamp.
Aggregate data is unavailable, but this specific vehicle's ability to reach 202,274 miles indicates long-term engine viability despite significant chassis wear.
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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