MERCEDES-BENZ E1996 · 2.2L Petrol

The vehicle currently holds a failed roadworthiness status. The most recent DVSA test on 10 August 2022 at 115,776 miles returned a failure with no defects formally recorded, which leaves the exact cause unresolved and the certificate invalid from that date. Against the present date of 8 July 2026, the car has stood without a passing MOT for nearly four years. The maintenance trend cannot be classed as stable, worsening, or improving because only a single failed entry exists; the record shows abandonment rather than active upkeep. The odometer reads 115,776 miles against a 30-year service life, equating to roughly 3,859 miles per year. This is low for a 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and points to light use or extended stationary periods. The sole recorded test at 115,776 miles in August 2022 provides no earlier entries to confirm a gradual accumulation or a sudden spike. Sparse data of this kind gives no evidence of routine annual testing and suggests the previous keeper discontinued statutory checks once the failure occurred. A buyer must treat the August 2022 failure as a red flag requiring physical investigation before any road use. With no defect lines captured by the tester, the fault may sit in emissions, structural corrosion, or undocumented mechanical failure; DVSA systems sometimes omit detail on failed items. Given the age and likely standing time, inspect brake discs for pitting, calipers for seizure, and suspension bushes for perishing. Confirm the subframe and sills for rust, as a 1996 unit left idle for four years will degrade structurally even at low mileage. Verify the exhaust and fuel system prior to a fresh test. The absent MOT cover since 2022 means the car is not legally roadworthy and carries unknown latent faults from prolonged disuse.