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J138 MLA

1991 Mercedes-benz 508 D

Grey Diesel 2299cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires20 May 2027
Tests28 (16 pass, 12 fail)
Pass rate57.1%

Mileage

111,986 mi
Last recorded111,986 miles
Recorded on21 May 2026
Typical for 1991 Mercedes-benz 508 D110,446 mi

Below or average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Mercedes-benz
Stolen
Finance
Write-off
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationJ138 MLA
MakeMercedes-benz
Model508 D
Year1991
ColourGrey
Fuel typeDiesel
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

16 pass 12 fail
Pass 21 May 2026 111,986 miles
Fail 21 May 2026 111,986 miles

Offside Rear Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

Fail 6 May 2026 111,911 miles

Nearside Rear Direction indicator light intensity significantly reduced (4.4.3 (a))

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has negligible damping effect (5.3.2 (d))

Offside Front Direction indicator not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Rear Rear fog lamp missing (4.5.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Rear Rear reflector missing (4.8.2 (a) (ii))

Offside Rear Shock absorbers has negligible damping effect (5.3.2 (d))

Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))

Rear Body component likely to become detached rear box frame cracked and bent (6.2.1 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Front Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush slightly worn (5.1.2 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear tail light insecure

Offside Front Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush slightly worn (5.1.2 (b) (i))

Power steering pipe/hose slightly corroded all pipes (2.1.5 (g) (i))

unable to check wipers for clearing screen

Pass 13 May 2025 107,072 miles

Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Nearside Rear Outer Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing slightly noisy (5.1.3 (b) (i))

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Rear Inner Nail in tyre

Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))

Fail 13 May 2025 107,072 miles

Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Nearside Rear Outer Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing slightly noisy (5.1.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Rear Inner Nail in tyre

Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))

Fail 16 Apr 2025 107,047 miles

Electrical wiring insecure and in contact with sharp edges under vehicle (4.11 (a) (ii))

Emissions unable to be completed (8.2.2.2 (e))

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

Hazard warning lamps inoperative (4.4.1 (e))

Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))

Offside Headlamp reflector seriously defective (4.1.1 (b) (ii))

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar pin or bush excessively worn anti roll bar fouling bracket (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Offside Side repeater not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))

Stop lamp(s) all not working (4.3.1 (a) (iii)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Nearside Obligatory mirror slightly damaged (3.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Obligatory mirror slightly loose (3.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Outer Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing slightly noisy (5.1.3 (b) (i))

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Obligatory mirror slightly loose (3.3 (b) (i))

Offside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

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

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

unable to check wipers clearing screen

Pass 23 Apr 2024 98,870 miles

Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))

Fail 18 Apr 2024 98,838 miles

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

Front Exhaust system insecure (6.1.2 (a))

Nearside Front Brake disc significantly and obviously worn (1.1.14 (a) (i))

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))

Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))

Driver's seat insecure (6.2.5 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Rear brake binding on

Pass 19 Apr 2023 95,733 miles

Nearside Front Brake disc worn, but not excessively (1.1.14 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Seat belt buckle slightly damaged outer case missing (7.1.2 (d))

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Front Brake disc worn, but not excessively (1.1.14 (a) (i))

Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))

slight play in front king pins

Fail 14 Mar 2023 95,733 miles

Body component corroded and likely to cause injury sharp edges as marked bonnet, n/s door, n/s side and rear quarter (6.2.1 (a) (i))

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases front flexi (6.1.2 (a))

Nearside Headlamp aim unable to be tested (4.1.2 (b))

Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Rear Direction indicator not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

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

Nearside Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))

Front Brake disc worn, but not excessively (1.1.14 (a) (i))

Front Exhaust mounting defective (6.1.2 (a))

Nearside Front Seat belt buckle slightly damaged outer case missing (7.1.2 (d))

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Nearside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))

slight play in front kings

Pass 13 Apr 2022 93,143 miles

Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened both front discs (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced doorstep corroded (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Front Suspension component pin or bush slightly worn front leaf spring bush perished (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front lower kingpin play

Nearside Rear Upper Direction indicator lens defective which has no effect on emitted light (4.4.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Upper Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view crack in screen (3.2 (a) (i))

Offside Front Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced doorstep corroded (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Front Suspension component pin or bush slightly worn front leaf spring bush perished (5.3.4 (a) (i))

body in poor condition

Fail 11 Apr 2022 93,143 miles

Nearside Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))

Offside Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))

Offside Rear Upper Direction indicator not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 2 (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Rear Rear fog lamp lens defective such that emitted light is adversely affected lens broken (4.5.1 (b) (ii))

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

Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened both front discs (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced doorstep corroded (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Front Suspension component pin or bush slightly worn front leaf spring bush perished (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front lower kingpin play

Nearside Rear Upper Direction indicator lens defective which has no effect on emitted light (4.4.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Upper Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view crack in screen (3.2 (a) (i))

Offside Front Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced doorstep corroded (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Front Suspension component pin or bush slightly worn front leaf spring bush perished (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Indicator tell-tale inoperative o/s tell-tale inoperative (4.9.1 (a) (i))

body in poor condition

Pass 12 Apr 2021 90,877 miles

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material Front - Rear (1.1.11 (c))

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

General condition of body poor

Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))

Fail 30 Mar 2021 90,875 miles

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

Horn not working (7.7 (a) (ii))

Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 2 (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))

Offside Rear Outer Tyre has a lump, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (5.2.3 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Stop lamp(s) all not working (4.3.1 (a) (iii)) DANGEROUS

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material Front - Rear (1.1.11 (c))

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

General condition of body poor

Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Rear Inner Nail in tyre

Offside Rear Inner Tyre obviously under inflated (5.2.3 (l))

Offside Rear Inner Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))

Pass 11 Mar 2020 89,189 miles

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

Offside Rear Inner Tyre obviously under inflated tyre flat (5.2.3 (l))

Offside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

general corrosion on and under vehicle,outside mot prescribed areas.

Pass 1 Mar 2019 85,959 miles

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))

general corrosion on vehicle outside mot prescribed areas.

Fail 28 Feb 2019 85,959 miles

Emissions not tested rear exhaust broken (8.2.2.2 (e))

Nearside Rear Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a))

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

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))

general corrosion on vehicle outside mot prescribed areas.

Pass 23 Feb 2018 81,222 miles

Nearside Rear side door entrance step corroded and weak.

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

Offside Front Inner door handle damaged.

Offside rear parking (secondary) brake grabbing slightly (3.7.B.6b)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

Fail 13 Feb 2018 81,219 miles

Brake load sensing valve seized (3.6.E.3)

Hazard warning lamps inoperative (1.4.B.1b)

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

Nearside Rear reflector missing (1.5.1a)

Nearside Seat belt retracting mechanism defective (5.2.5b)

Offside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect (1.8.A.1b)

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

Offside Rear reflector missing (1.5.1a)

Offside Side repeater insecure (1.4.A.2b)

Offside Side repeater not working (1.4.A.2c)

Offside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Rear fog lamp tell tale not working (1.3.1b)

1x silencer strap rubber mounting broken .

Nearside Rear side door entrance step corroded and weak.

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

Offside Front Inner door handle damaged.

Offside rear parking (secondary) brake grabbing slightly (3.7.B.6b)

Rear Both rear lamp lenses damaged.

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

Pass 4 Mar 2017 77,970 miles

Nearside Front Axle king pin has slight play in pin and/or bush (2.5.A.3a)

body weak and rusted in places

one exhaust mount split exhaust still supported

Fail 31 Jan 2017 77,957 miles

Brake hydraulic reservoir fluid level below minimum level (3.6.G.1b)

Drag link end ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt rear joint (2.2.C.1c)

Hazard warning switch faulty not working (1.4.B.1d)

Leaf spring has a deteriorated anchor pin rubber bush resulting in excessive movement front spring rear bushes (2.4.B.2)

Leaf spring has a deteriorated shackle pin rubber bush resulting in excessive movement front spring rear bushes (2.4.B.2)

Nearside Front Axle king pin has excessive play in pin and/or bush adversely affecting the steering (2.5.A.3a)

Nearside Front Inner Brake pipe excessively corroded pipe from master cylinder to flexy (3.6.B.2c)

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

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

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Offside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Offside Rear Braking system leaking wheel cylinder (3.6.A.1)

Offside Rear Rear fog lamp missing (1.3.2a)

Offside Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)

Rear Brake hose ferrule excessively corroded (3.6.B.4e)

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

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

body weak and rusted in places

one exhaust mount split exhaust still supported

Pass 18 Jul 2015 74,198 miles
Pass 5 Jul 2014 73,573 miles
Pass 14 Jul 2012 72,403 miles
Pass 26 Jul 2011 71,182 miles
Pass 14 Jun 2010 69,933 miles

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

Offside Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

Fail 8 Jun 2010 69,910 miles

Nearside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure (3.6.B.3)

Nearside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Offside Front Brake hose ferrule excessively corroded (3.6.B.4e)

Offside Rear Brake hose has insufficient room to move, resulting in fouling on any part (3.6.B.4a)

Pass 10 Jul 2009 69,631 miles

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

How Reliable is the Mercedes-benz 508 D?

Based on 2,678 MOT tests across 314 vehicles.

64.6%
Pass Rate
2,904
Miles/Year
49
Year Lifespan
314
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Brakes imbalanced across an axle 188
Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid 133
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively 97
fog lamp not working 88
position lamp(s) not working 84
Full Mercedes-benz 508 D reliability report

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Not all vehicle check providers are the same. Some don't offer a data guarantee, which means if their information is wrong, you're on your own. Every CarVerify report is backed by a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

£30k guarantee Instant results Cancel anytime

J138 MLA is a 1991 Mercedes-benz 508 D in Grey with a 2,299cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 28 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 57.1%.

Across all 1991 Mercedes-benz 508 D models, the average MOT pass rate is 61.0% with a typical mileage of 110,446 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 508 D fails its MOT is brakes imbalanced across an axle, accounting for 188 recorded failures. If you're considering buying J138 MLA, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Mercedes-benz 508 D typically stays on UK roads for around 49 years. At 35 years old, this Mercedes-benz 508 D is well into its expected lifespan but still has years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of J138 MLA?

You can check the full history of J138 MLA by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was J138 MLA registered?

J138 MLA is a 1991 Mercedes-benz 508 D, first registered on 12 November 1991.

Is J138 MLA safe to buy?

The MOT history for J138 MLA shows 28 tests with a 57.1% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does J138 MLA 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 J138 MLA. 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.