2004 Mercedes-Benz E 3.2L Diesel · M88 RAB

This Mercedes-Benz E from 2004 has maintained a consistent MOT history with no defects recorded across the last five annual tests, culminating in a clean pass on 12 September 2025 at 168,321 miles. The absence of advisories or repeated failures suggests the vehicle has undergone regular, if not rigorous, servicing, though the most recent test occurred just over ten months ago—well within the DVSA’s recommended 12-month interval for vehicles over three years old. The lack of recurring issues does not preclude hidden wear, but the pattern implies the previous owner adhered to basic compliance without overlooking critical components. The recorded mileage of 168,321 miles over 22 years reflects an average of approximately 7,650 miles per annum, a rate that aligns with typical usage for this age. Notably, the gap between the failed test on 14 September 2022 (157,111 miles) and the subsequent pass on 26 September 2022 (157,114 miles) is unusual—suggesting either a rapid resubmission or a minor oversight in the initial inspection. Beyond that, the mileage progression is steady, with no abrupt jumps or prolonged stagnation that might indicate neglect or extended periods of disuse. Given the clean MOT record, a prospective buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of high-wear components such as the suspension bushes, coil springs, and rear wheel bearings—common failure points in vehicles of this age and mileage. The brakes, particularly the rear calipers and discs, should be checked for binding or uneven wear, as even a single failure in this category could recur. Structural integrity, including underbody corrosion around the sills and subframe, warrants scrutiny, as does the exhaust system for leaks or catastrophic failure risks. While the MOT history is reassuring, these areas demand closer examination to confirm they remain within safe operational limits.