2003 Mercedes-Benz E 2.7L Diesel · YK52 AKH

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 26 April 2025 at 195 310 miles, but the test recorded several advisories that keep the car within legal limits while highlighting ongoing maintenance concerns. The tester flagged an oil leak (8.4.1 (a)(i)), corrosion on both front coil springs (5.3.1 (b)(i)), slight play in the near‑side front wheel bearing (5.1.3 (a)(i)), deteriorated registration plate lettering (0.1 (b)), cracking on both near‑side tyres (5.2.3 (d)(ii)) and corrosion of the rear spring carriers. These items, together with the earlier failure in January 2024 for missing rear registration plate lamp and insufficient washer fluid, show a pattern of recurring suspension and corrosion issues that have not been fully resolved. The addition of a new oil leak suggests the maintenance trend is stable to slightly worsening rather than improving. Mileage accumulation has been steady at roughly 8 500 miles per year over the car’s 23‑year life, a figure that aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age. MOT records indicate annual tests from 2014 onward, with the occasional year omitted (notably 2018) but otherwise a consistent inspection schedule. The data shows no sudden mileage spikes or long periods of inactivity that would indicate abnormal wear patterns. A prospective buyer should inspect the front suspension closely for coil‑spring corrosion and any play in the wheel bearing, as these faults have appeared in multiple tests. The rear spring carriers and inner sills should be examined for rust, given their repeated appearance in failures. Tyre condition remains a concern; both near‑side tyres show cracking and the 2023 test noted rear‑tyre tread below the 1.6 mm limit, so a thorough tread‑depth check is essential. The registration plate assembly needs verification for deterioration and lamp functionality, and the oil‑leak source should be located and assessed to prevent engine oil contamination. Finally, a brake‑system check is warranted, especially after the 2014 failure that highlighted brake imbalance and the 2020 advisory on thin rear pads. Overall, the car remains roadworthy but carries a backlog of suspension, corrosion and tyre issues that demand careful pre‑purchase inspection and likely remedial work to restore full reliability.