2008 Mercedes-Benz B-Class 2.0L Diesel · 57 HKB

The most recent MOT in May 2026 resulted in a pass, but this follows a failure just two weeks prior where serious safety defects were identified. While the car currently holds a valid certificate, the immediate history reveals significant suspension and lighting issues that were only rectified at the last minute to secure the pass. A clear pattern of deteriorating suspension components emerges when reviewing the last three years. In early 2024, the vehicle failed due to fractured rear coil springs and an excessively worn front lower suspension arm ball joint. By April 2026, the faults shifted to the front shock absorbers leaking seriously, alongside worn anti-roll bar linkages and damaged dust covers on both sides. This progression from broken springs to leaking dampers and worn joints indicates the entire front and rear suspension geometry is under heavy stress or has reached the end of its service life. The condition trend appears to be worsening rather than stabilizing. Although the 2025 test was a pass, it noted thinning brake pads, and the subsequent 2026 failure introduced new critical suspension leaks that were not present in the previous year's report. The recurrence of corrosion warnings on brake pipes and fuel lines in 2024, combined with the fresh suspension failures in 2026, suggests a vehicle that is becoming increasingly expensive to maintain safely. The mileage of roughly 96,576 miles over 18 years represents very low annual usage.