2002 Mercedes 815 4.3L Diesel · YD52 VMF

The most recent MOT on 26 May 2026 was a pass at 485,962 miles, but it recorded two tyres that are over ten years old and a missing rear side reflector. The MOT history shows a recurring pattern of corrosion on fluid‑carrying components – power‑steering pipes, the main compressor pipe, the nearside lower reservoir and centre‑bearing rubber – together with occasional oil mist from the air‑drier unit. These items have appeared in three consecutive years (2024‑2026) and indicate a persistent but not rapidly escalating corrosion issue. The trend is therefore stable in the sense that the vehicle continues to pass, yet the same corrosion‑related defects keep re‑appearing, so the underlying problem has not been fully resolved. With roughly 485,000 miles on a 24‑year‑old vehicle (about 20,000 miles per year), the mileage is high for its age. This suggests the car has been used heavily, which can accelerate wear on consumables, suspension, brakes and drivetrain, but it does not rule out periods of lower use that may have contributed to the ageing of rubber and metal parts. Inspect the condition of the tyres. Inspect the condition of the brakes. Inspect the condition of the underside for corrosion or leaking fluid. Inspect the condition of the front suspension and steering components.