Known APK problem
Mercedes-Benz B-Klasse W246: brake lines
On the Mercedes-Benz B-Klasse W246 the APK inspector finds brake lines problems 4.9× as often as on cars of the same age: at 13–15 years 2.9%, against about 0.6% nationally.
Window: Oct 2025 – Sep 2026 · Updated: 16 Oct 2026
What is it?
Rusty or leaking brake lines. An A-problem at the APK because braking is at risk.
How to check it at the viewing
Use a torch to look along the lines near the wheels and rear axle: no thick rust or wet spots.
Ask the seller: Have the brake lines ever been (partly) replaced?
By age
Share of inspected Mercedes-Benz B-Klasse W246s with this defect, compared with all cars of the same age.
| Age | Type | B-Klasse W246 | National | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 – 8 years | A | 0.3% | 0.0% | 8.2× |
| 9 – 10 years | A | 0.7% | 0.1% | 7.3× |
| 11 – 12 years | A | 0.9% | 0.3% | 3.6× |
| 13 – 15 years | A | 2.9% | 0.6% | 4.9× |
A = structure, safety or costly mechanics; B = fail, usually simple; C = advisory. An age is missing when this defect is not among the most common there.
Comparable cars at 13–15 years
| Model | Brake lines | Vs. national |
|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz B-Klasse W246 | 2.9% | 4.9× |
| Renault Mégane III | 0.5% | 0.9× |
| Mazda Mazda2 (DE) | 0.6% | 1.0× |
| Nissan Pixo | 2.0% | 3.3× |
Looking at a Mercedes-Benz B-Klasse W246? Check that car
Enter the plate and see the APK history, open recalls and how this car compares with other Mercedes-Benz B-Klasse W246s of the same age.
All weak spots of the Mercedes-Benz B-Klasse W246 · Brake lines: which models more often · Checklist for this model
Frequently asked questions
Does the Mercedes-Benz B-Klasse W246 often have brake lines problems?
Yes, more often than average at the APK. At 13–15 years the inspector found a brake lines defect on 2.9% of inspected Mercedes-Benz B-Klasse W246s, against about 0.6% of all cars of the same age (4.9×). Source: RDW Open Data, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026.
How do you check the brake lines on a used Mercedes-Benz B-Klasse W246?
Use a torch to look along the lines near the wheels and rear axle: no thick rust or wet spots.
Repair indication: small, medium or large. An indication of the usual repair, not a quote: the real cost depends on the car, the cause and the garage.
Source: RDW Open Data (CC0), analysis CarXray.nl. 6,857,004 inspected passenger cars aged 3 years and older, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026. Each car counts once. How we know