1987 Mercedes 300 3.0L Diesel · E9 TMO

The vehicle currently presents a questionable roadworthiness status with a worsening trend in mechanical degradation despite its low mileage. While it passed its last recorded test in September 2022 at 10,229 miles, the car has not undergone an MOT in nearly four years. The 2022 failure revealed a cluster of mechanical issues including imbalanced rear brakes, a worn front prop shaft joint, and a rear wheel bearing, indicating that components are failing due to age rather than use. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 39-year-old Mercedes, averaging approximately 262 miles per year. While this suggests minimal wear on the engine internals, the data shows a significant gap in testing history, with the mileage remaining static between 2019 and 2022. This pattern suggests the vehicle likely sat stationary for long periods. Long-term storage on a vehicle of this era often leads to the degradation of rubber components, seals, and hydraulic systems, which explains the recurring corrosion and leaks noted in the record. A buyer must focus heavily on the structural integrity of the chassis, as records consistently flag corrosion in the nearside and offside front inner arches as well as the rear section. The 2022 test specifically identified a corroded rear rear upper coil spring mounting, which is a critical structural point for this model. Further physical inspection of the brake system and prop shaft is essential, as the previous history shows a pattern of imbalanced braking and worn joints that may have deteriorated or seized during the years of inactivity.