2010 Mercedes-Benz E 3.5L Diesel · 4 KSJ

The most recent MOT, conducted on 08 October 2025 at 95,537 miles, resulted in a pass, though the tester flagged a corroded rear brake pipe and excessive handbrake lever travel. Examining the maintenance trend across the last five years reveals a pattern of recurring minor faults rather than a single catastrophic failure point. Brake pipe corrosion has appeared in three of the last four tests, specifically in October 2023 and September 2024, indicating a persistent issue with moisture ingress or degraded protective coatings on the braking system. While these advisories have not yet escalated to outright failures, the trend is stable but unresolved, suggesting the vehicle has been maintained to a minimum legal standard rather than proactively repaired. This 2010 E-Class has covered roughly 5,971 miles per year, which is notably low for a diesel or petrol executive saloon of this age. The mileage progression shows a relatively consistent accumulation pattern, moving from 91,019 miles in September 2021 to 95,537 miles by October 2025, with no sudden spikes or suspiciously large gaps between tests. However, such low annual mileage often points to prolonged periods of standing or exclusively short journeys, which accelerates moisture build-up in brake fluid, exhaust systems, and structural cavities. The recurring brake pipe advisories and perishing suspension bushes noted in September 2021 are textbook symptoms of a vehicle that sits idle frequently rather than being driven long distances. A prospective buyer should treat the braking system as the primary area of concern. The repeated identification of corroded front and rear brake pipes, alongside worn and pitted rear brake discs flagged in September 2024, warrants a thorough inspection of the entire hydraulic line run and the condition of the flexible hoses. Surface corrosion on a pipe covered in grease or underseal can hide severe internal pitting that compromises system pressure. The handbrake excess travel noted in the most recent test also requires immediate adjustment or cable replacement to ensure the parking brake meets gradient holding requirements. Beyond the brakes, the slight front wheel bearing play recorded in September 2022 and the perishing suspension bushes from September 2021 suggest the front end components have not been recently replaced. A physical inspection should check for knocking from the front struts and play in the wheel hubs. The cracking noted on both front tyres in October 2023, while likely replaced since, indicates the previous owner deferred basic consumable upkeep. Overall, the vehicle presents as structurally sound but mechanically neglected in key safety systems, requiring a pre-purchase inspection focused on hydraulic integrity and chassis corrosion.