MOT cost .

Mercedes Benz

308 D

531 MOT tests analysed. runs below the UK fleet average — here's where 308 Ds pass, fail, and end up on the retest sheet.

That's 14.3 points below the UK fleet average across our 1,988 tracked models — buyers should expect more first-time fails than the typical UK car.

Pass

61.4%

Pass-after-fix

4.9%

Fail

31.8%

Avg miles

157,478

Pass + Pass-after-fix + Fail = 100%

The picture

308 D: a below-average pass rate worth digging into

Across 531 MOT tests, the 308 D returns 61.4% first-time pass — well below the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is the strength or continuity of the load bearing. Windscreen damage and structural corrosion round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 157,478, which is the lens to read those failure rankings through. If you own one and the next test is close, the ranked list below is a sensible pre-test checklist.

Top ten reasons for rejection.

  1. 01

    The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired

    61 occurrences · 11.5% of tests

  2. 02

    Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view

    42 occurrences · 7.9% of tests

  3. 03

    Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is seriously reduced

    36 occurrences · 6.8% of tests

  4. 04

    A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning

    36 occurrences · 6.8% of tests

  5. 05

    Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement

    33 occurrences · 6.2% of tests

  6. 06

    A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources

    28 occurrences · 5.3% of tests

  7. 07

    Brakes imbalance across an axle such that the braking effort from any wheel is less than 70% of the maximum effort recorded from the other wheel on the same axle.

    27 occurrences · 5.1% of tests

  8. 08

    Service brake efficiency below minimum requirement

    24 occurrences · 4.5% of tests

  9. 09

    Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is seriously reduced

    23 occurrences · 4.3% of tests

  10. 10

    Exhaust system leaking or insecure

    22 occurrences · 4.1% of tests

Counts cover Major and Dangerous defects logged at test. Advisory items excluded so this shows why a car was rejected, not just what the tester flagged in passing.

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Buying or keeping a 308 D?

Use the failure ranking as a pre-test checklist or a haggling lever. Treat the headline pass rate as a fleet-wide trend, not a guarantee on any individual car.

If you own a 308 D and your last MOT looked nothing like the ranked failures above, that's normal — individual cars vary widely. The ranking shows the patterns testers flag most often across the country.