2001 Mercedes-Benz E 3.2L Diesel · X334 DDA

The vehicle’s most recent MOT test on 2025-06-04 confirms it remains roadworthy, with no defects or advisories recorded across the past two annual tests. The failure on 2024-05-20—unusually noted without specific defects—stands out as an anomaly, though the immediate retest two days later passed suggests either a procedural oversight or a minor, quickly resolved issue. Beyond that, the consistent pass rates indicate no recurring mechanical failures, though the lack of advisories in recent tests means critical components like suspension bushes, coil springs, or binding calipers were not explicitly cleared. The absence of emissions-related failures in later tests also implies the catalytic converter and fuel system have not deteriorated significantly since 2023. The recorded mileage of 85,754 miles over 25 years equates to approximately 3,430 miles annually, a figure notably low for a vehicle of this age and class. The most recent MOT in June 2025 occurred just two months before the test date, and the previous one in May 2024 followed a similar pattern, suggesting the vehicle has been regularly serviced within the legal window. There are no evident gaps in testing that would raise concerns about prolonged neglect, though the low mileage does imply limited wear on high-mileage components like timing belts, transmission fluid, or differential seals. The brief gap between the 2024 failure and retest does not correlate with a spike in mileage, reinforcing the idea of stable, low-use conditions rather than aggressive driving. Given the sparse MOT history, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of suspension components, particularly rear bushes and coil springs, as these are common failure points in older Mercedes-Benz models and often go unnoticed without a thorough examination. The brakes, while not explicitly flagged, should be checked for uneven wear or binding calipers, especially if the vehicle has been stationary for extended periods. Corrosion around wheel arches, sills, and the subframe—common in high-mileage pre-2005 models—must be assessed, as structural integrity is rarely captured in MOT tests. Finally, the lack of advisories in recent tests does not preclude hidden issues; fluid levels (coolant, brake, power steering) and belt conditions should be verified, as these are not routinely inspected during MOTs.