2002 Mercedes-Benz E 2.6L Petrol · DU52 AAO

The vehicle presents a concerning state of roadworthiness characterized by a persistent trend of deteriorating front-end components. While the most recent test in February 2024 at 104,805 miles was a pass, it noted a recurring offside front suspension arm ball joint with play and an ongoing oil leak. This follows a failure in January 2024 where the electronic braking system triggered a fault, alongside multiple suspension and tyre defects. The maintenance history suggests that while immediate faults are addressed to pass testing, the underlying mechanical wear in the suspension is not being overhauled. At 24 years old, the recorded mileage of 104,805 miles is remarkably low, averaging approximately 4,367 miles per year. This low usage pattern often correlates with the degradation of rubber components and long periods of inactivity, which aligns with the data provided. Between January 2022 at 94,236 miles and February 2024 at 104,805 miles, the car covered only 10,569 miles. Despite this low distance, the vehicle consistently flags worn bushes and bushings, indicating that age is the primary driver rather than mileage. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the front suspension geometry. The record shows repeated issues with control arm ball joints, pins, bushes, and wheel bearings spanning 2022 through 2024. The persistent oil leak from the transmission or engine, noted in every test, requires a professional assessment to determine if it is a simple seep or a failing seal. Furthermore, the electronic braking system fault recorded in early 2024 should be verified as fully rectified to ensure no latent sensor failures remain, as this is a critical safety system on this era of Mercedes.