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S488 VMY

1999 Mercedes-benz C

Blue Petrol 1799cc

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MOT Status

Valid

Expires20 Feb 2027

Tests34 (21 pass, 13 fail)

Pass rate61.8%

Mileage

157,540 mi

Last recorded157,540 miles

Recorded on2 Feb 2026

Typical for 1999 Mercedes-benz C103,759 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

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Vehicle Details

RegistrationS488 VMY

MakeMercedes-benz

ModelC

Year1999

ColourBlue

Fuel typePetrol

Engine1,799cc

View full Mercedes-benz C reliability data Browse other 1999 Mercedes-benz C registrations

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

21 pass 13 fail

Pass 2 Feb 2026 157,540 miles

Nearside Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material front to rear (corroded) (1.1.11 (c))

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

Nearside Front Nail in tyre

Offside Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material front to rear (corroded) (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

Fail 27 Jan 2026 157,504 miles

Nearside Rear Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

Nearside Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material front to rear (corroded) (1.1.11 (c))

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

Nearside Front Nail in tyre

Offside Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material front to rear (corroded) (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

Pass 10 Feb 2025 156,734 miles

Brake hydraulic reservoir close to minimum mark (1.1.10 (d) (i))

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material front to rear (corroded) rear section (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

Fail 10 Feb 2025 156,734 miles

Brake hydraulic reservoir close to minimum mark (1.1.10 (d) (i))

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material front to rear (corroded) rear section (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

Fail 10 Feb 2025 156,728 miles

Nearside Front Brake hose excessively deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Brake hydraulic reservoir close to minimum mark (1.1.10 (d) (i))

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

Nearside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material front to rear front section (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

Offside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Fail 28 Jan 2025 156,680 miles

Nearside Brake pipe excessively corroded front to rear (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Front Brake hose excessively deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Nearside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour (4.4.3 (a))

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

Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn lower (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Rear Fuel system component leaking filter (6.1.3 (b) (i))

Supplementary restraint system warning lamp indicates a fault (7.1.6 (a))

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

Nearside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material front to rear front section (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

Offside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Pass 29 Jan 2024 155,328 miles

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Nearside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

Offside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Fail 26 Jan 2024 155,312 miles

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

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

Offside Rear Tyre has ply or cords exposed (5.2.3 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Rear Valve stem seriously damaged (5.2.3 (j)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Nearside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

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

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

Offside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Pass 14 Feb 2023 153,967 miles

Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt

Nearside Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material front to rear (corroded) (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Nearside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

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

Unable to inspect nearside and offside outer sills due to covers fitted

Pass 10 Feb 2022 152,544 miles

Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt

Nearside Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material front to rear (corroded) (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Nearside Front Valve stem slightly damaged (5.2.3 (j))

Nearside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Nearside Rear Valve stem slightly damaged (5.2.3 (j))

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Valve stem slightly damaged (5.2.3 (j))

Offside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Rear Valve stem slightly damaged (5.2.3 (j))

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

Fail 31 Jan 2022 152,528 miles

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

Offside Brake pipe leaking on a hydraulic braking system front to rear (1.1.11 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt

Nearside Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material front to rear (corroded) (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Nearside Front Valve stem slightly damaged (5.2.3 (j))

Nearside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Nearside Rear Valve stem slightly damaged (5.2.3 (j))

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Valve stem slightly damaged (5.2.3 (j))

Offside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Rear Valve stem slightly damaged (5.2.3 (j))

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

Pass 27 Jan 2021 151,602 miles

Nearside Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material front to rear (corroded) (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Front Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

Nearside Front Valve stem slightly damaged (5.2.3 (j))

Nearside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Nearside Rear Valve stem slightly damaged (5.2.3 (j))

Offside Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material front to rear (corroded) (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

Offside Front Valve stem slightly damaged (5.2.3 (j))

Offside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Rear Valve stem slightly damaged (5.2.3 (j))

Pass 31 Jan 2020 150,306 miles

Nearside Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material front to rear corroded (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Front Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

Nearside Front Valve stem slightly damaged (5.2.3 (j))

Nearside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Nearside Rear Valve stem slightly damaged (5.2.3 (j))

Offside Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material front to rear corroded (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

Offside Front Valve stem slightly damaged (5.2.3 (j))

Offside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Rear Valve stem slightly damaged (5.2.3 (j))

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

Fail 24 Jan 2020 150,246 miles

Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material front to rear corroded (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Front Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

Nearside Front Valve stem slightly damaged (5.2.3 (j))

Nearside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Nearside Rear Valve stem slightly damaged (5.2.3 (j))

Offside Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material front to rear corroded (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

Offside Front Valve stem slightly damaged (5.2.3 (j))

Offside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Rear Valve stem slightly damaged (5.2.3 (j))

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

Pass 4 Feb 2019 147,825 miles

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly damaged (1.1.12 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material front to rear corroded (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

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

Pass 8 Feb 2018 145,787 miles

Child seat(s) fitted preventing inspection of seat belt(s)

Fail 8 Feb 2018 145,787 miles

Child seat(s) fitted preventing inspection of seat belt(s)

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

Pass 27 Jan 2017 141,126 miles

Unable to inspect nearside and offside outer sills due to covers fitted

Pass 27 Jan 2016 136,664 miles

Item(s) removed from drivers view of the road prior to inspection

Pass 2 Feb 2015 128,903 miles

Unable to inspect nearside and offside outer sills due to covers fitted

Fail 29 Jan 2015 128,863 miles

Nearside Front Upper Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Unable to inspect nearside and offside outer sills due to covers fitted

Pass 28 Jan 2014 122,720 miles

Fail 28 Jan 2014 122,720 miles

Nearside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour (1.4.A.2f)

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

Offside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour (1.4.A.2f)

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

Pass 30 Jan 2013 117,762 miles

Child seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt

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

Unable to inspect nearside and offside outer sills due to covers fitted

Pass 24 Jan 2012 111,083 miles

Child seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt

Pass 28 Jan 2011 107,175 miles

Fail 28 Jan 2011 107,167 miles

Nearside Rear coil spring fractured (2.4.C.1a)

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)

Rear fog lamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (1.3.2f)

Pass 22 Jan 2010 100,146 miles

Pass 23 Jan 2009 92,244 miles

Child seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt

Fail 22 Jan 2009 92,244 miles

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive (7.3.D.4)

Child seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt

Pass 11 Feb 2008 84,303 miles

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

Pass 1 Feb 2007 74,112 miles

Fail 1 Feb 2007 74,112 miles

Nearside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour (1.4.A.2f)

Nearside Rear position lamp(s) excessively damaged so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance (1.1.A.3d)

Nearside rear parking brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.6a)

Offside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour (1.4.A.2f)

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)

Pass 20 Feb 2006 65,489 miles

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

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

How Reliable is the Mercedes-benz C?

Based on 8,031,355 MOT tests across 683,668 vehicles.

77.6%

Pass Rate

6,412

Miles/Year

Year Lifespan

683,668

On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 240,078

Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint 76,831

Track rod end ball joint has excessive play 67,503

Brake pipe excessively corroded 66,298

coil spring broken 61,560

Full Mercedes-benz C reliability report

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S488 VMY is a 1999 Mercedes-benz C in Blue with a 1,799cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 34 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 61.8%.

Across all 1999 Mercedes-benz C models, the average MOT pass rate is 73.5% with a typical mileage of 103,759 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 C fails its MOT is tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm, accounting for 240,078 recorded failures. If you're considering buying S488 VMY, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Mercedes-benz C typically stays on UK roads for around 32 years. At 27 years old, this Mercedes-benz C is approaching the upper end of the typical lifespan for this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of S488 VMY?

You can check the full history of S488 VMY by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was S488 VMY registered?

S488 VMY is a 1999 Mercedes-benz C, first registered on 31 December 1999.

Is S488 VMY safe to buy?

The MOT history for S488 VMY shows 34 tests with a 61.8% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does S488 VMY 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 S488 VMY. 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.