2014 Mercedes-Benz E 3.0L Diesel · HV14 ABF

The most recent MOT test on 2026-03-04 resulted in a failure due to the offside rear tyre having insufficient tread depth below the legal minimum of 1.6mm, alongside persistent advisories for corrosion in both front coil springs. This outcome follows a pattern of recurring advisories for front coil spring corrosion from the same MOT in March 2026, indicating a consistent issue rather than a one-off anomaly. While the vehicle passed MOTs in January 2025 and October 2023 without defects, the presence of repeated corrosion advisories and the recent tyre failure suggests that the vehicle’s suspension and tyre systems have not been adequately maintained, warranting immediate attention to prevent further degradation or safety risks. The recorded mileage of 79,396 miles for a vehicle aged approximately 12 years represents a moderate annual usage rate of around 6,616 miles per year, which is within the typical range for a car of this age and class. However, the absence of significant mileage spikes or prolonged periods of high usage suggests that the vehicle may have been driven less frequently than its wear rate would imply, potentially leading to issues from prolonged standing. Components such as brakes, suspension bushes, and fluid systems can suffer from standing corrosion, particularly in the front coil springs noted in the advisories, as well as potential brake disc corrosion or binding calipers due to lack of movement. Additionally, tyres can degrade unevenly or develop edge wear from infrequent use, further contributing to the recent tyre failure. Given the recurring advisories for front coil spring corrosion and the recent tyre failure, the prospective buyer should conduct a thorough inspection of the suspension system. Visually inspect the coil springs for signs of rust, cracks, or physical damage, and listen for unusual noises such as clunks or rattles when driving over bumps, which may indicate worn suspension bushes or damaged strut mounts. The offside rear tyre failure highlights the importance of checking all tyres for tread depth, sidewall damage, and signs of uneven wear, which could suggest alignment or camber issues. During a test drive, pay close attention to handling stability, steering responsiveness, and any signs of excessive vibration or pulling, which may indicate misalignment or worn suspension components. For maintenance, the buyer should prioritise replacing the offside rear tyre to meet legal requirements and address the corrosion in the front coil springs, ideally with a full suspension inspection to check for additional wear in bushes, bushings, or struts. The advisories from previous MOTs suggest that the corrosion in the coil springs may have progressed, and further neglect could lead to spring failure, which could compromise ride quality and structural integrity. Additionally, given the vehicle’s age and the potential for standing corrosion, it is advisable to check the brake system for signs of corrosion on discs or binding calipers, and to inspect the battery for signs of ageing or poor condition, as older vehicles often struggle with 12V battery health. Finally, since the vehicle has not had a recent service, the buyer should verify that all fluid levels—particularly brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid—are topped up and consider a full fluid flush, especially given the calendar-based degradation that can occur in older vehicles.