2008 Mercedes-Benz C 3.0L Diesel · SF54 AES
2008 Mercedes-Benz C (3.0L, diesel). First registered 07/08/2008. Recorded mileage 165,607 miles. MOT valid until 26/08/2027. Taxed until 01/09/2026. No outstanding manufacturer safety recalls recorded.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ C
- Year / Origin
- 2008 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- None Outstanding
- MOT Status
- Valid until 26/08/2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/09/2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 165,607 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 3.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Diesel
- Year
- 2008
- Engine
- 2987cc
SF54 AES Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 28/08/2026
- 165,607 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (14 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
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.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
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SF54 AES Mileage History
- 04/04/2023158,064 mi
- 05/04/2024161,850 mi+3,786 mi
- 05/04/2024161,850 mi
- 28/07/2025164,999 mi+3,149 mi
- 28/08/2026165,607 mi+608 mi
Average of roughly 2,218 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
SF54 AES MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2008 Mercedes-Benz C (SF54 AES) between April 2023 and August 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 28 August 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (14 issues), Lighting (5 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Suspension (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 24 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 Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution. This vehicle shows high mileage and recurring issues with structural corrosion and suspension wear that may indicate significant future investment.
When inspecting this high-mileage luxury diesel, your priority must be the structural integrity. The MOT history explicitly notes the rear sub-frame as corroded; while not 'seriously weakened' in 2024, corrosion is progressive and expensive to rectify if required. You should also check for the condition of the brake pipes, as all four were flagged for corrosion across the 2023 and 2024 tests.
Ask for a full service history to verify if the 3.0L engine has been maintained according to Mercedes's strict intervals. Given the age and the recorded failures of ball joints and wheel bearings, ensure that any suspension work performed recently is documented with receipts. Negotiate the price down based on the likely upcoming maintenance costs associated with the recurring MOT advisories.
The 2987cc diesel engine will likely fall into a higher tax band and insurance group compared to smaller petrol C-Class variants. Expect fuel economy to be around 35-42 MPG in real-world conditions, though city driving will significantly lower this.
Maintenance costs for a Mercedes of this age are typically high, especially for parts like suspension-related components and premium tyres. An estimated annual running cost, including fuel, tax, insurance, and maintenance, is projected to be between £2,800 and £3,500.
Focus heavily on the underbody, specifically the rear sub-frame and brake lines. The MOT history shows a recurring issue with corroded brake pipes covered in grease, which can sometimes be an attempt to hide rust. Inspect the front suspension for play in the ball joints, as this was a recorded failure point in 2024.
Check the wheel bearings for humming noises while driving, as the offside front bearing showed play in two consecutive MOT tests. Additionally, inspect the tyres for cracking and uneven wear, as the vehicle has had tyre-related failures in both 2022 and 2023.
This 2008 Mercedes C-Class features a large 3.0L diesel engine and has covered 165,000 miles. While it passed its most recent MOT, the history reveals a persistent pattern of corrosion, particularly affecting brake pipes and the sub-frame. The frequency of multiple suspension and braking failures in recent years suggests a vehicle that is reaching the end of its cost-effective life.
The 3.0L diesel engines are generally robust, but age-related corrosion and suspension-component wear are common failure points at this mileage.
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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