2008 Mercedes E 3.0L Diesel · RAY 135R

The vehicle presents a clean bill of health as of 21 February 2026, passing with zero defects recorded at 122,670 miles. This outcome follows a clear pattern of reactive maintenance rather than ongoing neglect. The most recent failure on 19 February 2026 at the same mileage addressed excessively worn front suspension arm ball joints and improperly fitted front tyres, all of which were rectified within two days. A similar pattern emerged in February 2025, where a failure for corroded brake pipes, corroded hose ferrules, and a degraded suspension ball joint dust cover was swiftly resolved ahead of a pass two days later. The maintenance trend is therefore stable: faults are being identified and fixed promptly at each test cycle, though the recurrence of certain issues suggests wear is being managed rather than eliminated at source. The mileage accumulation of roughly 6,815 miles per year over 18 years is entirely typical for a 2008 Mercedes E-Class. The record shows a steady climb from 118,363 miles in February 2024 to 122,670 miles by February 2026, with no abrupt jumps or suspiciously large gaps that would indicate a tampered odometer or prolonged storage. The tight two-day gap between each failure and its subsequent pass in both 2025 and 2026 confirms the vehicle is being used regularly and kept in roadworthy condition between annual tests. Despite the clean 2026 result, the history flags two areas warranting close physical inspection. Suspension components, particularly the front lower suspension arm ball joints and their dust covers, have appeared as failures or advisories in three of the last four tests. This recurring wear points to bushes and ball joints operating near their service limits, meaning a buyer should check for play, perished rubber, and uneven tyre wear that could indicate alignment drift. Brake system corrosion is the second concern. Excessively corroded front brake pipes and multiple corroded hose ferrules were flagged in the February 2025 failure, with a 2024 advisory noting corrosion covered in grease. Even though the 2026 test was clean, a thorough underbody inspection of the brake lines, unions, and hose ferrules for hidden pitting or fresh surface rust is advisable. The repeated advisory for front tyres worn on the edge also suggests possible tracking or suspension geometry issues that may reassert themselves between tests.