1998 Mercedes-Benz E 2.0L Petrol · S821 AFM
1998 Mercedes-Benz E (2.0L, petrol). First registered 01 Aug 1998. Recorded mileage 84,396 miles. MOT valid until 22 Oct 2027. Taxed until 01 Jan 2027.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ E
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 22 Oct 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jan 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 84,396 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.0L
- 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.
S821 AFM Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 12/10/2026
- 84,396 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (3 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
S821 AFM 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz E (S821 AFM) between October 2022 and October 2026.
The record contains 5 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 4 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (3 issues), Brakes (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 4 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.
S821 AFM Mileage History
- 24/10/202276,177 mi
- 18/10/202377,788 mi+1,611 mi
- 14/10/202479,638 mi+1,850 mi
- 20/10/202582,195 mi+2,557 mi
- 12/10/202684,396 mi+2,201 mi
Average of roughly 2,072 miles per year across 5 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
Highly recommended as a well-maintained modern classic. This E Class boasts exceptionally low mileage for its age and a consistent clean MOT record in recent years, representing a rare W210 survivor.
When inspecting this E-Class, prioritize the service history over the mileage; because the car has been used (only about 6,500 miles since 2022), it is vital to ensure the oil and fluids were changed annually rather than just on mileage to prevent engine degradation. Check for any rubber component wear, as the 2022 MOT advisory noted perishing tyres, which suggests the car may sit for long periods.
Ask the owner about the condition of the suspension bushings. While the 2014 failure for ball joints was rectified, older Mercedes models of this era are known for rubber components aging over time. Look for any signs of rust in the wheel arches and door sills, which are common Achilles' heels for the W210 generation.
The 2.0L petrol engine is relatively efficient for a luxury executive saloon, though expect 25-30 mpg depending on driving conditions. As a 1998 registration, it falls into a lower tax bracket compared to modern equivalents, though insurance groups can vary significantly based on your personal profile.
Maintenance costs can be higher than a standard hatchback, but the low mileage suggests fewer mechanical repairs are required annually. Budget for an annual cost of approximately £900-£1,200 including fuel, basic insurance, and routine servicing.
Pay close attention to the front suspension. The history shows a failure in 2014 for excessive play in both front ball joints, and prior advisories for slight play in 2013. During a test drive, listen for any knocks or clunks over bumps which could indicate the suspension arms need attention again.
Check the age and condition of the tyres thoroughly. The 2022 MOT flagged cracking and perishing on three tyres; if these haven't been replaced recently since, they may be structurally unsafe despite potentially having good tread depth. Also, inspect the interior for bolster wear, as this is common in older Mercedes-Benz luxury models.
This 1998 Mercedes-Benz E Class is a remarkably preserved example, having covered only 82,195 miles over its 28-year life. The MOT history shows a period of excellent maintenance with no failures in the last three years, despite its age. The 2000cc petrol engine remains a balanced powertrain combination for a vehicle that appears to have been cherished rather than driven extensively.
The W210 E-Class is generally regarded as robust, provided the complex cooling systems and suspension are kept up to date.
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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MERCEDES-BENZ E Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 1998 model year cars.
- 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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