2010 Mercedes-Benz E 3.0L Diesel · DS60 AAU

A notable blemish in the MOT chronology is the 2019 failure where both the parking brake and the off‑side headlamp were recorded as major defects, accompanied by a dangerous rating for parking‑brake efficiency; the subsequent 2020 test returned a clean pass, indicating that those issues were remedied and the vehicle has since demonstrated consistent compliance. At 173,227 mi for a 2010 model the average annual mileage works out to roughly 10,800 mi, which sits squarely within normal usage for a car of this age. The MOT record shows annual testing from 2015 through 2020 with no prolonged gaps, suggesting the mileage has been accumulated at a steady pace rather than in short, high‑intensity bursts that could accelerate wear on drivetrain or suspension components. Prospective owners should verify that the parking brake now holds firmly on both sides and that there is no excessive pedal travel, uneven pull, or a noticeable loss of holding power when the vehicle is stationary on an incline. The headlamp aim should be checked for proper alignment to avoid glare to oncoming traffic; a simple visual test with the vehicle on level ground and the lights on low beam will reveal any persistent high‑side aim. The off‑side front tyre, flagged in 2019 as close to the legal limit, must be inspected for tread depth across the width and for edge wear that could indicate mis‑alignment; uneven wear patterns would warrant a suspension or steering geometry check. The small windscreen chip recorded in 2017, although outside the critical ‘zone A’, should be examined for any propagation or moisture ingress, and the registration‑plate spacing advisories, while minor, remind the buyer to confirm that the plates are correctly mounted and legible. A thorough test‑drive listening for knocks over bumps, feeling for any steering pull, and confirming smooth brake modulation will help corroborate the MOT data; arranging a qualified pre‑purchase inspection to assess the parking‑brake mechanism, headlamp alignment, tyre condition and windscreen integrity is advisable before finalising the purchase.