1998 Mercedes-Benz 300 3.2L Petrol · E20 GWA

The vehicle currently maintains roadworthiness, having passed its most recent MOT in March 2026 at 190,117 miles with no recorded defects. This represents a period of relative stability following a period of mechanical inconsistency between 2023 and early 2025. While the latest test is clean, the history reveals a vehicle that is prone to structural degradation and component wear, suggesting that maintenance is often reactive to test failures rather than managed through a preventative schedule. At 190,117 miles, this 28-year-old Mercedes has averaged approximately 6,800 miles per year, which is consistent with low-intensity annual use. The record shows a steady usage pattern, though there is a notable gap in testing between October 2019 and January 2021 where the vehicle sat for over fourteen months without a formal inspection. The recent frequency of tests in early 2025, where two tests occurred within weeks of each other, indicates a concerted effort to rectify the vehicle after a significant structural failure was discovered during that period. A buyer must prioritise a rigorous physical inspection of the front subframe due to the critical failure recorded in February 2025. The tester flagged the nearside front lower integral body structure with corrosion that significantly reduced rigidity, which is a serious structural concern for a vehicle of this age regardless of subsequent repairs. Additionally, the record shows a recurring trend of front suspension issues, including corroded coil springs on both sides in 2025, worn suspension arm bushes in 2023, and deteriorated track rod boots in 2021. The persistent presence of oil leaks noted from 2021 through 2023 suggests a long-term weep that requires monitoring for escalating severity. While the brakes passed the most recent test, the failure in 2019 for pads under 1.5mm indicates that basic consumables have been neglected in the past. Given the age and the specific history of structural corrosion, the current integrity of the chassis and the condition of the rubber bushings are the most critical factors to verify before purchase.