MERCEDES-BENZ E2018 · 1.9L DIESEL

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance history shows a clear worsening trend regarding the front suspension geometry. The most recent test in March 2026 at 59,563 miles identified slight play in both the nearside and offside front lower suspension arm ball joints. This represents a progression from the March 2025 test at 53,457 miles, where only the nearside side showed signs of wear. While the car continues to pass inspections, the recurring degradation of these components indicates they are now reaching the end of their functional life. The mileage pattern is consistent with an eight-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 7,445 miles per annum. The record shows steady usage with roughly 6,000 miles covered between March 2024 and March 2025, and another 6,000 miles in the following year. This consistent interval suggests the car has been used regularly for shorter trips rather than sitting for long periods of inactivity. However, the low annual mileage relative to the age can sometimes lead to the drying of rubber bushings and seals, as seen in the suspension faults. A buyer should prioritise a physical inspection of the front suspension assembly to assess the extent of the ball joint play. Because the tester flagged both sides in the latest report, the front control arms likely require replacement to prevent further steering instability or uneven tyre wear. The 2023 record also noted rear tyres worn unevenly on the edges, which may indicate an alignment issue or a camber fault that should be verified once the suspension is rectified. The recurring low emissions readings in 2022 and 2023 are likely attributed to the cold engine temperature during the test rather than a mechanical failure, but the exhaust system should be monitored for any signs of performance degradation.