2007 Mercedes S320 CDI L Auto 3.0L Heavy oil · WEZ 5855

The vehicle currently holds a roadworthy status, but the recent history reveals a period of significant instability. While it passed the test on 19 February 2026 at 172,729 miles, this success followed four consecutive failures over the preceding eight months. The trend shows a vehicle that was struggling to meet minimum legal standards until a recent intervention occurred. The rapid succession of tests suggests that the previous owner only addressed defects when prompted by a failure, rather than following a preventative maintenance schedule. At 172,729 miles, this nineteen-year-old Mercedes has averaged approximately 9,100 miles per year, which is consistent with typical usage for a luxury diesel saloon. However, the data shows a highly unusual cluster of activity. Between January 2025 and February 2026, the car covered only 552 miles while undergoing five separate MOT examinations. This lack of mileage accumulation indicates the vehicle was either sitting stationary for long periods or was being used only for very short trips. Such standing often leads to the degradation of rubber components, seized brake calipers, and fuel fluid contamination. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection to identify why the vehicle suffered four consecutive failures in such a short window. Focus on the condition of the suspension bushes and control arms, as these are prone to wear on heavy S-Class models of this age. Check for structural corrosion on the subframes and wheel arches, where rust often compromises the integrity of older vehicles. Given the history of failures, verify that the braking system is not binding and that the exhaust system is free of leaks, ensuring the recent pass was not a temporary fix for deeper mechanical issues.