2009 MERCEDES-BENZ E3.0L DIESEL

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history shows a worsening trend regarding specific mechanical components. While the most recent test in January 2026 at 78,231 miles passed, it introduced a new advisory for a corroded offside front brake pipe covered in grease. This follows a persistent issue with the nearside and offside front wheel bearings which have shown slight play since 2025, indicating that these mechanical faults have not been rectified despite multiple MOT cycles. The mileage profile is notably low for a 17-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 4,600 miles per year. The data shows significant periods of inactivity; for instance, the car covered only 891 miles between January 2025 and January 2026, and roughly 1,200 miles in the fourteen-month period prior. This low usage often leads to age-related degradation of rubber components, evidenced by the consistent advisories for tyre perishing and cracking seen in the 2022 and 2023 tests. A buyer must prioritize inspecting the recurring front wheel bearing play which has appeared in every test since 2025. This suggests a gradual failure of the suspension assembly that requires professional attention to prevent further wear. The corroded offside front brake pipe also demands immediate investigation, as the presence of grease often masks a fluid leak or a failing seal that could lead to sudden brake failure if left untreated. The historical failure in January 2025 due to exposed cords and deep cuts in multiple tyres indicates that previous owners neglected basic safety maintenance until prompted. Given the low mileage, the buyer should check all tyre sidewalls for dry rot and verify the condition of bushings, as the vehicle appears to sit for long periods which accelerates the deterioration of elastomeric components.