2012 Mercedes-Benz C 2.1L Diesel · FY12 ABN
2012 Mercedes-Benz C (2.1L, diesel). First registered 05 Mar 2012. Recorded mileage 142,250 miles. MOT expired on 30 Oct 2024. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ C
- Year / Origin
- 2012 · Lincoln
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 30 Oct 2024
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (01 Nov 2024)
- Recorded Mileage
- 142,250 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.1L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Outstanding Safety Recall Notice
Action RequiredOfficial DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
FY12 ABN Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT failed on 25/10/2024
- 142,250 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 15 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
FY12 ABN MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (FY12 ABN) between October 2022 and October 2024.
The record contains 2 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 25 October 2024 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (9 issues), Suspension (6 issues), Tyres (4 issues), Lighting (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 2 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Rear Brake pipe leaking on an air braking system (1.1.11 (b) (i))”; “Offside Rear Brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))”; “Nearside Rear Brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))”.
FY12 ABN Mileage History
- 26/10/2022118,177 mi
- 26/10/2022118,177 mi
- 31/10/2023137,272 mi+19,095 mi
- 25/10/2024142,250 mi+4,978 mi
Average of roughly 12,040 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W204)
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Poor
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Digital Service History
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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Strong caution is advised. The October 2
The primary focus for any buyer must be the October 2024 MOT failure. You must demand proof of repair for every single item listed, including the replacement of all four brake discs, the repair of leaking and corroded brake pipes, and the replacement of the fractured offside front coil spring. Ensure there are VAT invoices from a reputable garage to confirm these were not 'quick fixes'.
Given the ABS fault and the fact that both service and parking brake efficiency dropped below 50%, the entire braking system should be treated with suspicion. Negotiate the price aggressively to reflect the evidence of neglect and the high mileage of 142,250 miles, which increases the likelihood of further wear-and-tear issues.
The 2143cc diesel engine is designed for efficiency over long distances, but tax and insurance will be typical for a premium executive saloon of this era. Maintenance costs for a Mercedes-Benz are generally higher than for budget brands, and this specific vehicle's history suggests a high potential for upcoming repair bills.
Annual costs will be driven by the need for premium parts and the high mileage. Expect higher-than-average spending on consumables like tyres and brake components, as evidenced by the recent failures.
A comprehensive mechanical inspection is mandatory. Specifically, check the braking system for new components; the 2024 test flagged all four discs as seriously weakened and noted leaking/corroded pipes. Verify that the ABS warning lamp is no longer illuminated and that the brake pedal feel is firm.
Inspect the front suspension thoroughly. The MOT history shows repeated failures of the lower suspension arm ball joints (2022 and 2024) and a fractured offside front coil spring in 2024. Finally, check all tyre tread depths, as both front and rear tyres were recorded below the legal 1.6mm limit in the most recent test.
This 2012 black Mercedes-Benz C-Class diesel has covered 142,250 miles. While the vehicle had a clean record in 2021 and 2022, the most recent MOT test in October 2024 resulted in an extensive list of failures across the braking and suspension systems. This pattern indicates a significant decline in the vehicle's mechanical condition.
While aggregate data is unavailable, this era of C-Class diesel is generally regarded as robust, provided maintenance is strictly followed.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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MERCEDES-BENZ C Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2012 model year cars.
- OM651 Diesel Chain Tensioner Oil LeakModerate
The gasket on the timing chain tensioner can fail, leaking oil and potentially leading to timing chain issues due to inconsistent tension.
- Rear Subframe CorrosionSerious
The rear subframe rots from the inside out, leading to MOT failure. Mercedes often replaces these under goodwill.
- Electronic Steering Lock (ESL) failureSerious
The electronic steering lock module can fail, preventing the car from starting. The key is recognised but the steering remains locked. A common and expensive fault on W204s built before the facelift.
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