2017 MERCEDES-BENZ E1.9L DIESEL

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history shows a worsening trend regarding the front suspension components. While the most recent test in May 2026 at 85,388 miles passed, the tester flagged severe deterioration of the nearside front suspension arm ball joint dust cover and a deteriorating rearmost arm ball joint. This represents a progression from the June 2023 failure where the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint was found to be excessively worn. The mileage pattern is consistent with a nine-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 9,500 miles per year. The data shows steady usage, with the car covering roughly 5,800 miles between the 2024 and 2025 tests, and another 5,400 miles between 2025 and 2026. This regular mileage interval suggests the vehicle is used consistently rather than sitting for long periods, which generally helps prevent the degradation of rubber components in the suspension assembly. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension to ensure the recurring ball joint issues have been properly rectified. The repeated failure of dust covers indicates that the rubber components are failing prematurely, which can lead to grease loss and rapid mechanical wear of the joints. You should check for any remaining play in the front control arms and verify that the ball joints were replaced rather than merely lubricated. Given the age of the Mercedes, an inspection of the condition of all other rubber bushings and boots is also advisable to prevent further MOT failures.