2004 Mercedes-Benz E 1.8L Petrol · LH53 AEX

The 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class presents a stable and consistently clean maintenance trend across its entire recorded MOT history. The most recent test, conducted on 29 May 2025 at 71,307 miles, passed with zero defects recorded. This outcome is not an isolated result. It extends an unbroken sequence of five consecutive advisory-free passes stretching back to March 2021. The vehicle has not presented a single identifiable fault for at least five years, indicating a resolving or, more accurately, a stable condition with no recurring mechanical or structural issues flagged by DVSA testers. The mileage accumulation pattern is notably low for a vehicle of this age. Over approximately 22 years, the odometer has recorded 71,307 miles, averaging roughly 3,241 miles per year. The intervals between tests confirm this gentle usage. Between the March 2021 test at 60,754 miles and the February 2022 test at 63,170 miles, the vehicle covered 2,416 miles. The subsequent annual increments remained similarly modest, rising to 2,978 miles between February 2022 and February 2023, and then 2,774 miles between February 2023 and February 2024. The final recorded interval, from February 2024 at 69,531 miles to May 2025 at 71,307 miles, shows 1,776 miles over a fifteen-month period. This suggests the vehicle has been used sparingly in recent years, potentially for short, local journeys, which can place different stresses on components like the exhaust system and DPF, if fitted, compared to sustained motorway running. Despite the clean MOT record, a buyer should conduct a thorough physical inspection focused on areas that MOT tests do not fully assess. The low annual mileage and potential for prolonged stationary periods warrant a close examination of the tyre sidewalls for age-related cracking, even if tread depth remains legal. The underside should be inspected for surface corrosion on suspension mounting points, subframes, and brake lines, as short trips accelerate moisture-related deterioration. A test drive must evaluate the condition of the power steering system, automatic gearbox changes, and the operation of all electronic systems, which are common failure points on models of this era. The clean MOT history is a strong positive indicator, but it does not substitute for a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified specialist.