2005 Mercedes-Benz E 3.0L Diesel · WR55 AEU

The September 2023 test at 212,018 miles recorded a failure with no subsequent pass logged, leaving the MOT status expired for nearly three years. That gap alone raises immediate questions about the car's current roadworthiness. The 2021 failure at 194,351 miles converted to a pass the following day, suggesting rectifiable faults were addressed promptly at that stage. Without defect details in the supplied record, the maintenance trend cannot be fully classified as stable or worsening, but the absence of a retest after the most recent failure is a significant negative indicator. Mileage accumulation averaged roughly 12,500 miles between August 2021 and August 2022, then dropped sharply to just over 5,000 miles in the thirteen months to September 2023. That deceleration often points to reduced commuting use or a period of storage, which can accelerate deterioration in brake hydraulics, suspension rubbers, and exhaust systems. The recorded 212,018 miles aligns with the expected 10,000-mile annual average for a 2005 model, so the odometer shows no obvious discrepancy. A buyer must treat the missing defect data as a blind spot and inspect accordingly. Focus on the W211's known structural weak points: inner sills, jacking points, and front chassis legs for advanced corrosion that could compromise structural integrity. Check suspension arms and subframe mounts for cracked bushes and fractured coil springs, both common at this mileage. Examine brake discs for lip wear and test calipers for binding, especially given the potential for seized components after low-use periods. Verify the exhaust catalyst and flexi joints for leaks, and confirm the steering rack gaiters are intact. Until a fresh MOT with a full defect list is produced, assume the 2023 failure items remain unresolved.