Is the Mercedes-Benz B-Class ULEZ Compliant?
Based on 73,356 MOT tests, around 53% of Mercedes-Benz B-Classes still on the road are likely to meet London's ULEZ standards, and about 30% are likely to be charged. For the remaining 17%, it depends on the exact Euro standard or month of registration.
The fuel mix matters: tested cars were 65% diesel, 34% petrol. Diesel B-Classes are generally compliant from 2016, while diesel cars from 2013 or earlier are likely to be charged. Every petrol B-Class in the data (2005 onwards) is likely to be compliant.
- Likely compliant
- 53%
- Likely charged
- 30%
- Depends on the car
- 17%
- MOT tests analysed
- 73,356
Check a specific B-Class
Year and fuel type are a guide. Enter the registration to check that car's own record.
B-Class ULEZ compliance by year and fuel
Estimated from the year of first registration. Numbers show how many B-Classes of each type were MOT tested, as a guide to how common they are.
| First registered | Diesel | Petrol |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Likely compliant22 tested | Likely compliant43 tested |
| 2020 | Likely compliant1,112 tested | Likely compliant1,824 tested |
| 2019 | Likely compliant1,584 tested | Likely compliant2,733 tested |
| 2018 | Likely compliant2,016 tested | Likely compliant1,968 tested |
| 2017 | Likely compliant4,716 tested | Likely compliant923 tested |
| 2016 | Likely compliant4,328 tested | Likely compliant828 tested |
| 2015 | Check exact car4,857 tested | Likely compliant765 tested |
| 2014 | Check exact car7,398 tested | Likely compliant973 tested |
| 2013 | Likely charged5,861 tested | Likely compliant1,349 tested |
| 2012 | Likely charged4,275 tested | Likely compliant1,694 tested |
| 2011 | Likely charged1,834 tested | Likely compliant1,947 tested |
| 2010 | Likely charged2,347 tested | Likely compliant2,541 tested |
| 2009 | Likely charged2,414 tested | Likely compliant2,367 tested |
| 2008 | Likely charged2,089 tested | Likely compliant1,850 tested |
| 2007 | Likely charged1,684 tested | Likely compliant1,490 tested |
| 2006 | Likely charged1,047 tested | Likely compliant1,429 tested |
| 2005 | Likely charged246 tested | Check Euro standard293 tested |
How ULEZ rules apply to the B-Class
Cars that miss the standard pay £12.50 for each day they're driven in the zone. Petrol and petrol-hybrid cars need Euro 4 (most from 2006), while diesels need Euro 6 (most from September 2015).
- Diesel (65% of B-Classes tested): likely compliant from 2016; 2013 and earlier are likely to be charged.
- Petrol (34% of B-Classes tested): every year in our data is likely to comply.
B-Classes from 2014 and 2015 sit on the boundary (17% of those tested): some were built to the required standard before it became compulsory. The Euro standard is sometimes on the V5C logbook, or Mercedes-Benz can confirm it. Our ULEZ calculator can help.
Thinking of buying one? Check how B-Classes fare at the MOT too: see the Mercedes-Benz B-Class MOT failure rate.
Buying a used Mercedes-Benz B-Class for London: what the MOT data shows
The Mercedes-Benz B-Classes in this data were first registered between 2005 and 2021. 2014 was the most common year, with 8,371 tests (11% of the total), and half were registered in 2013 or later.
B-Classes from likely-compliant years passed their MOT first time 77% of the time, at an average of 55,771 miles. Older ones likely to be charged passed 65% of the time with 83,548 miles on average, so a compliant car is usually the more reliable buy as well as the cheaper one to drive in London.
On a budget, the oldest diesel B-Classes likely to comply are from 2016. 4,328 of them were tested; 2016 cars passed first time 83% of the time and averaged 48,376 miles. Check the Euro standard on the V5C before you buy one from around then.
On a budget, the oldest petrol B-Classes likely to comply are from 2006. 1,429 of them were tested; 2006 cars passed first time 56% of the time and averaged 100,346 miles. Check the Euro standard on the V5C before you buy one from around then.
Whichever year you choose, check the B-Class's weak spots. The most common MOT failures were suspension: "fractured or broken" (3.6% of tests) and "ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt" (2.4%); lights and electrics: "not working" (3.5%). The most frequent advisory was "tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm", on 13.8% of tests.
Overall, 73% of B-Classes passed first time, slightly above the 71% average for all cars, and they had covered 65,236 miles on average, fewer than the 73,145-mile average.
ULEZ compliance for other models
Other Mercedes-Benz models
About this data
Based on 73,356 first MOT tests of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
ULEZ results are estimates from fuel type and year of first registration. Transport for London makes the final decision.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
What 73,356 MOT tests say about the Mercedes-Benz B-Class and London's ULEZ.
Is the Mercedes-Benz B-Class ULEZ compliant?
In our data about 53% of B-Classes on the road are likely compliant and 30% likely to be charged. Petrol and petrol-hybrid cars need Euro 4 (most from 2006), while diesels need Euro 6 (most from September 2015).
Which petrol B-Class years are ULEZ compliant?
Petrol B-Classes first registered from 2006 are likely compliant. Some earlier cars meet Euro 4 too, so check the exact vehicle.
Is a diesel B-Class ULEZ compliant?
Only if it meets Euro 6, which generally means first registered from September 2015. Diesel B-Classes from 2013 or earlier are likely to be charged.
How can I check if a specific B-Class is ULEZ compliant?
Enter its registration in our free ULEZ check, which uses the vehicle's DVLA record. Always confirm with TfL before relying on it.
Related guides
- ULEZ · 6 min readULEZ explained: which cars are compliant and what it costsSince August 2023 the ULEZ covers every London borough. Which cars comply, what the daily charge costs if yours doesn't, and what you can do about it.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 5 min readMOT retest rules: when it's free, partial or full priceFix a failed MOT within a day or two and the retest is often free; wait too long and you pay for a full test again. The three retest types explained.Read the guide
Is your B-Class ULEZ compliant?
Enter the registration for a check based on that car's own DVLA record.