The National Traction Plan showed the units as continuing in service until 1991 or beyond, however this was superseded by the £360 million investment programme aimed at replacing first generation units by 1990. Because of the way the Rolls-Royce engines were fitted to the underframes, it meant that they couldn't easily be removed by fork lift as with other types, but needed a drop pit. The ER only had two DMU depots with these (Neville Hill and Botanic Gardens) so there was no real chance of transfer.

Withdrawals

First cars to be withdrawn were 51821/37 on the 9th Nov. '63, due to the Sowerby Bridge fire 13/1/63. A fire at Hammerton St dept apparently destroyed 59706, although it has also been noted as in withdrawn due to the Sowerby Bridge fire and withdrawn the same time. 52074/59705 were withdrawn in the late '60s. This left 28 complete sets and one spare DMC. The cost of refurbishment of a spare power car could not be justified, so the worst one, 51848, was withdrawn in 1979. On 9/1/83 the three unrefurbished centre cars were withdrawn, followed by fifteen refurbished ones later in the year, with many stored at Hammerton St for long periods before scrapping.