MERCEDES ML2006 · 3.0L DIESEL

The 2006 Mercedes ML passed its most recent MOT on 21 February 2024 at 186,866 miles, but the record shows a worsening maintenance trend. The vehicle failed the prior test on 15 February 2024 at 186,749 miles for severely obscured headlamp lenses and a missing offside front steering rack gaiter, then passed six days later after rectification. Recurring oil leakage, power steering seepage, and blue exhaust smoke during acceleration have now persisted across four consecutive annual tests, indicating deferred mechanical attention rather than resolution. Recorded mileage rose from 171,698 in February 2022 to 179,201 by February 2023, then to 186,866 by February 2024, equating to roughly 7,500 to 8,600 miles per year. This sits below the 9,343-mile annual average implied by the age and total, suggesting light but consistent use with no standing gaps. The 117-mile jump between the February 2024 fail and pass confirms a short remedial drive rather than accumulated wear. A buyer should physically verify the engine for the noted non-excessive oil leak and inspect the power steering system for continuing component seepage, both flagged in every test since 2022. The February 2023 failure exposed a split offside front CV boot, missing nearside steering rack gaiter, nearside rear brake pads below 1.5 mm, and an excessively binding nearside rear service brake; the gaiter recurred as a fail in February 2024. These point to neglected suspension and brake consumables. Blue smoke on acceleration at both 2023 and 2024 tests signals probable piston ring or turbocharger seal wear on a high-mileage diesel. All four tyres wore to legal limits by February 2024, and the February 2023 cut on the nearside rear tyre shows casual monitoring. Inspect brake discs, caliper freedom, and headlamp lens clarity before purchase.