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E101 LYY

1988 Mercedes-benz 230

Blue Petrol 2299cc
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MOT Status

Expired
Expires19 Feb 2025
Tests32 (19 pass, 13 fail)
Pass rate59.4%

Mileage

189,520 mi
Last recorded189,520 miles
Recorded on21 Jul 2025
Typical for 1988 Mercedes-benz 230122,887 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this Mercedes-benz
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationE101 LYY
MakeMercedes-benz
Model230
Year1988
ColourBlue
Fuel typePetrol
Engine2,299cc

All premium checks include

50+ data points
Finance Check (Experian) Insurance Write-off Salvage Auction Stolen Check Previous Owners Ex-Taxi, Police, NHS Mileage Anomaly Import / Export Scrapped Check Plate Changes

MOT History

19 pass 13 fail
Fail 21 Jul 2025 189,520 miles

Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))

Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps (4.7.1 (b) (ii))

exhaust blow

Pass 30 Jan 2024 141,820 miles

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

oil leaks from engine,gearbox,rear differential.

under vehicle corroding

Fail 26 Jan 2024 141,820 miles

Central Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

Headlamp levelling device inoperative both sides (4.1.5 (a))

Nearside Front Inner Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Nearside Front Outer Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Nearside Front Outer Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced floor (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Front Outer Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Outer Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Rear fog lamp tell-tale not working (4.9.1 (a) (ii))

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases several other small holes front to rear (6.1.2 (a))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

oil leaks from engine,gearbox,rear differential.

under vehicle corroding

Pass 30 Jan 2023 141,820 miles

driver's seat back half locked up-right

oil leaks from engine,gearbox,rear differential.

slight play in n/s steering idler bushes

under vehicle corroding

Pass 15 Feb 2022 141,820 miles

coolant leak from reservoir

driver's seat back half locked up-right

oil leaks from engine,gearbox,rear differential.

slight play in n/s steering idler bushes

Fail 14 Feb 2022 141,820 miles

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength floor (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Registration plate does not conform to the specified requirements front and rear not reflecting (0.1 (d))

coolant leak from reservoir

driver's seat back half locked up-right

oil leaks from engine,gearbox,rear differential.

slight play in n/s steering idler bushes

Pass 4 Feb 2021 141,820 miles

Nearside Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened corroded (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Oil leaks from engine,gearbox and steering box

Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread Both (0.1 (b))

Fail 29 Jan 2021 141,820 miles

Headlamp levelling device inoperative (4.1.5 (a))

Nearside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))

Parking brake lever has excessive movement indicating incorrect adjustment (1.1.6 (c))

Passenger's seat backrest cannot be secured in the upright position. (6.2.6 (a) (i))

Driver's seat backrest cannot be secured in the upright position. (6.2.5 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Front brake pads low, hard to see inner pads

Oil leaks from engine,gearbox and steering box

Rear brake pads low, cant see inner pads

Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread Both (0.1 (b))

Pass 21 Jan 2020 141,820 miles

front and rear number plates deteriorating

Fail 20 Jan 2020 141,820 miles

Rear Prop shaft securing bolt loose (6.1.7 (a) (i))

bonnet catch broken

front and rear number plates deteriorating

Pass 1 Feb 2019 141,820 miles

front and rear number plates deterorating

rear diff seals leaking

Fail 1 Feb 2019 141,820 miles

Front Passenger's seat backrest cannot be secured in the upright position. (6.2.6 (a) (i))

Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))

Rear fog lamp switch inoperative (4.5.3 (a) (ii))

Driver's seat backrest cannot be secured in the upright position. (6.2.5 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

front and rear number plates deterorating

rear diff seals leaking

Pass 23 Jan 2018 141,820 miles

n/s/f bottom ball joint repaired with silicone

rear brake pipes corroding at T section

rear diff seals leaking

steering box damp with oil

Pass 10 Feb 2017 141,820 miles

aux drive belt squeek

brake pipes at rear and T-piece corroding

diff seals damp

n/s/f bottom ball joint gaiter repaired with silicone

steering box damp

Fail 9 Feb 2017 141,820 miles

Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement ALL 4 (2.4.G.2)

aux drive belt squeek

brake pipes at rear and T-piece corroding

diff seals damp

n/s/f bottom ball joint gaiter repaired with silicone

steering box damp

Pass 5 Feb 2016 141,820 miles

Centre Front propshaft coupling badly worn

Centre Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded front to rear (3.6.B.2c)

Front Upper Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases manifold cracked (7.1.2)

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Nearside Front Upper Power steering pipe(s) or hose(s) has slight seepage from a joint near pump (2.3.3b)

Nearside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Rear Direction indicator deteriorated, but still visible from a reasonable distance lens cracked (1.4.A.2e)

Nearside Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened corroded (3.5.1i)

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Offside Front Power steering pipe(s) or hose(s) has slight seepage at steering gear box (2.3.3b)

Offside Front Upper seat belt assister arm inoperative

Offside Front position lamp is slightly dim

Offside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened corroded (3.5.1i)

Offside Rear seat backrest missing

Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

fuel filler cap sealing ring slightly deteriorated

oil leaks from engine and transmission

Fail 29 Jan 2016 141,820 miles

Battery insecure (1.9.1)

Centre Lower Power steering pipe(s) or hose(s) leaking from a joint joints to pipes under sump (2.3.3b)

Centre Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases pipe from centre silencer to rear silencer holed (7.1.2)

Front Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (3.5.1g)

Nearside Front Outer Ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt track rod end joint (2.2.C.1c)

Nearside Rear Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt in hub (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Rear Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush upper front link inner bush (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Ball joint has excessive play centre track rod (2.2.B.1f)

Offside Rear Fuel pipe union leaking at fuel pump (7.2.3)

Offside Rear Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt in hub (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Seat belt locking mechanism does not secure or release (5.2.5a)

Offside Rear Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush upper front link inner bush (2.4.G.2)

Centre Front propshaft coupling badly worn

Centre Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded front to rear (3.6.B.2c)

Front Upper Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases manifold cracked (7.1.2)

Front engine under tray panel slightly loose

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Nearside Front Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Nearside Front Power steering pipe(s) or hose(s) has slight seepage from a joint at pump (2.3.3b)

Nearside Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened worn (3.5.1i)

Nearside Front wiring harness for pad wear sensor and abs sensor loose

Nearside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Rear Direction indicator deteriorated, but still visible from a reasonable distance lens cracked (1.4.A.2e)

Nearside Rear Lower Suspension arm has slight play in a ball joint in hub (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Rear Outer Suspension arm has slight play in a pin/bush tracking control link (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened corroded (3.5.1i)

Nearside Rear parking brake inner cable not moving freely

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Offside Front Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Offside Front Power steering pipe(s) or hose(s) has slight seepage at steering gear box (2.3.3b)

Offside Front Upper coolant leak from expansion bottle

Offside Front Upper seat belt assister arm inoperative

Offside Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened worn (3.5.1i)

Offside Front position lamp is slightly dim

Offside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Rear Lower Suspension arm has slight play in a ball joint in hub (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened corroded (3.5.1i)

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

fuel filler cap sealing ring slightly deteriorated

oil leaks from engine and transmission

Pass 18 Feb 2015 141,820 miles
Fail 18 Feb 2015 141,820 miles

Nearside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Pass 30 Jan 2014 138,167 miles
Pass 19 Feb 2013 132,809 miles
Fail 12 Feb 2013 132,809 miles

Nearside Outer Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)

Nearside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Offside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Offside Outer Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Fail 25 Jan 2012 124,625 miles

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Nearside Rear position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)

Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Pass 25 Jan 2012 124,625 miles

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Pass 24 Jan 2011 119,008 miles

Nearside Rear Upper Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

emmissions at max

nearside rear hand brake weak

Pass 9 Feb 2010 113,075 miles
Fail 1 Feb 2010 112,747 miles

Driver's seat cannot be secured in the upright position. (6.2.A.2)

Front passenger seat cannot be secured in the upright position. (6.2.4)

Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Offside Front wheel bearing rough when rotated (2.5.A.2)

Offside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)

Rear Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Pass 9 Feb 2009 105,297 miles
Fail 9 Feb 2009 105,297 miles

Offside Front coil spring fractured (2.4.C.1a)

Pass 8 Feb 2008 98,929 miles
Pass 2 Feb 2007 90,958 miles

Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Rear Exhaust has part of the system slightly deteriorated (7.1.1a)

Pass 17 Feb 2006 86,488 miles

How Reliable is the Mercedes-benz 230?

Based on 68,016 MOT tests across 8,576 vehicles.

71.8%
Pass Rate
1,918
Miles/Year
62
Year Lifespan
8,576
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Brake pipe excessively corroded 2,934
Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 2,565
Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded 2,276
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases 1,500
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements 1,463
Full Mercedes-benz 230 reliability report

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E101 LYY is a 1988 Mercedes-benz 230 in Blue with a 2,299cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 32 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 59.4%.

Across all 1988 Mercedes-benz 230 models, the average MOT pass rate is 70.9% with a typical mileage of 122,887 miles. This particular vehicle has a lower pass rate than the average for its year, which may indicate maintenance issues worth investigating.

The most common reason a Mercedes-benz 230 fails its MOT is brake pipe excessively corroded, accounting for 2,934 recorded failures. If you're considering buying E101 LYY, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Mercedes-benz 230 typically stays on UK roads for around 62 years. At 38 years old, this Mercedes-benz 230 is well into its expected lifespan but still has years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of E101 LYY?

You can check the full history of E101 LYY by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was E101 LYY registered?

E101 LYY is a 1988 Mercedes-benz 230, first registered on 3 March 1988.

Is E101 LYY safe to buy?

The MOT history for E101 LYY shows 32 tests with a 59.4% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does E101 LYY have outstanding finance?

Finance checks require a premium vehicle report. This checks against all major UK finance providers to see if there is any outstanding finance on E101 LYY. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it.

No warranty or guarantee of accuracy is provided for any free data on this page. The data guarantee applies only to information obtained through the purchase of a full check.