Is the Mercedes-Benz M-Class ULEZ Compliant?
Based on 36,671 MOT tests, around 3% of Mercedes-Benz M-Classes still on the road are likely to meet London's ULEZ standards, and about 74% are likely to be charged. For the remaining 24%, it depends on the exact Euro standard or month of registration.
The fuel mix matters: tested cars were 91% diesel, 9% petrol. Diesel M-Classes in the data are mostly from years that are unlikely to comply. Petrol M-Classes are generally compliant from 2006, while petrol cars from 2000 or earlier are likely to be charged.
- Likely compliant
- 3%
- Likely charged
- 74%
- Depends on the car
- 24%
- MOT tests analysed
- 36,671
Check a specific M-Class
Year and fuel type are a guide. Enter the registration to check that car's own record.
M-Class ULEZ compliance by year and fuel
Estimated from the year of first registration. Numbers show how many M-Classes of each type were MOT tested, as a guide to how common they are.
| First registered | Diesel | Petrol |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Check exact car3,154 tested | Likely compliant66 tested |
| 2014 | Check exact car3,757 tested | Likely compliant155 tested |
| 2013 | Likely charged4,227 tested | Likely compliant118 tested |
| 2012 | Likely charged2,624 tested | Likely compliant58 tested |
| 2011 | Likely charged2,831 tested | Likely compliant14 tested |
| 2010 | Likely charged2,892 tested | Likely compliant56 tested |
| 2009 | Likely charged2,252 tested | Likely compliant47 tested |
| 2008 | Likely charged2,574 tested | Likely compliant83 tested |
| 2007 | Likely charged2,423 tested | Likely compliant179 tested |
| 2006 | Likely charged2,052 tested | Likely compliant238 tested |
| 2005 | Likely charged1,006 tested | Check Euro standard246 tested |
| 2004 | Likely charged1,330 tested | Check Euro standard395 tested |
| 2003 | Likely charged858 tested | Check Euro standard388 tested |
| 2002 | Likely charged683 tested | Check Euro standard460 tested |
| 2001 | Likely charged394 tested | Check Euro standard229 tested |
| 2000 | Likely charged194 tested | Likely charged322 tested |
| 1999 | Likely charged1 tested | Likely charged251 tested |
How ULEZ rules apply to the M-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 (91% of M-Classes tested): most cars in our data are from years unlikely to comply.
- Petrol (9% of M-Classes tested): likely compliant from 2006; 2000 and earlier are likely to be charged.
M-Classes from 2014 and 2015 sit on the boundary (24% 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 M-Classes fare at the MOT too: see the Mercedes-Benz M-Class MOT failure rate.
Buying a used Mercedes-Benz M-Class for London: what the MOT data shows
The Mercedes-Benz M-Classes in this data were first registered between 1999 and 2015. 2013 was the most common year, with 4,345 tests (12% of the total), and half were registered in 2010 or later.
M-Classes from likely-compliant years passed their MOT first time 72% of the time, at an average of 109,133 miles. Older ones likely to be charged passed 69% of the time with 114,005 miles on average.
On a budget, the oldest petrol M-Classes likely to comply are from 2006. 238 of them were tested; 2006 cars passed first time 67% of the time and averaged 129,835 miles. Check the Euro standard on the V5C before you buy one from around then.
Whichever year you choose, check the M-Class's weak spots. The most common MOT failures were lights and electrics: "not working" (7.6% of tests); suspension: "fractured or broken" (5.1%); noise, emissions and leaks: "inoperative or indicates a malfunction" (2.2%). The most frequent advisory was "tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm", on 17.2% of tests.
Overall, 71% of M-Classes passed first time, roughly in line with the 71% average for all cars, and they had covered 107,403 miles on average, more than the 73,145-mile average.
ULEZ compliance for other models
Other Mercedes-Benz models
About this data
Based on 36,671 first MOT tests of the Mercedes-Benz M-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 36,671 MOT tests say about the Mercedes-Benz M-Class and London's ULEZ.
Is the Mercedes-Benz M-Class ULEZ compliant?
In our data about 3% of M-Classes on the road are likely compliant and 74% 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 M-Class years are ULEZ compliant?
Petrol M-Classes first registered from 2006 are likely compliant. Some earlier cars meet Euro 4 too, so check the exact vehicle.
Is a diesel M-Class ULEZ compliant?
Only if it meets Euro 6, which generally means first registered from September 2015. Diesel M-Classes from 2013 or earlier are likely to be charged.
How can I check if a specific M-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
- Buying a used car · 7 min readHow to read a car's MOT history before buying a used carThe MOT history is the only part of a used car's story the seller didn't write. A 10-minute method for reading it before you go to see the car.Read the guide
Is your M-Class ULEZ compliant?
Enter the registration for a check based on that car's own DVLA record.