2012 Mercedes-Benz E 2.1L Diesel · AD11 BEE

The most recent MOT test on 2025-11-21 resulted in a passing outcome, though it was accompanied by persistent tyre wear advisories—both the near-side front and rear tyres were noted as worn close to the legal limit, with significant edge wear indicative of uneven or excessive pressure distribution. This follows a previous MOT failure in 2025-11-13, where a major defect was identified: a fractured offside rear coil spring and excessive play in the offside rear wheel bearing. The 2024 MOT also highlighted recurring issues, including slight bearing play on both front wheels and worn suspension arm bushes, suggesting a pattern of gradual but persistent wear across multiple suspension components. While the 2023 and 2022 MOTs were clean aside from minor non-roadworthiness advisories (such as seat belt wear and plate deterioration), the progression from minor to major defects in the last two years indicates a trend of increasing mechanical stress, particularly in the suspension and wheel bearing systems, warranting careful inspection before purchase. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 86,141 miles over approximately 14 years equates to roughly 6,153 miles annually, which is within the expected range for a car of this age and class, though not exceptionally high. The consistent annual mileage suggests a moderate, steady usage pattern without extreme gaps or rapid accumulation, which would otherwise accelerate wear on consumables like tyres, fluids, and brake components. However, the presence of a fractured coil spring and excessive wheel bearing play at 86,141 miles raises concerns about potential underlying issues, such as fatigue in structural components or misalignment from prolonged high-mileage stress. The tyre wear advisories further imply that the vehicle may have been subjected to suboptimal driving conditions, such as rough roads, aggressive cornering, or improper tyre inflation, which could have exacerbated suspension and alignment wear. Given the MOT history and the vehicle’s age and mileage, prospective buyers should conduct a thorough mechanical inspection to address the following critical areas. First, visually and physically inspect the offside rear suspension for signs of further coil spring failure, such as additional cracks, sagging, or the presence of a replacement part. On a test drive, listen for clunking noises from the rear axle area during suspension travel, which may indicate remaining bearing wear or loose components. The wheel bearings should be checked for excessive play—if the vehicle pulls to one side or emits a growling noise at speed, this could signal imminent failure. Next, examine the front suspension arms for bush wear, noting any excessive movement or grinding when the vehicle is lifted slightly off the ground. Signs of binding or excessive play in the front wheels during cornering or braking may indicate worn suspension linkages or misaligned steering components. For the brakes, inspect the front and rear discs for signs of warping, scoring, or excessive thickness loss beyond the advisory wear limits noted in the MOT. Listen for a grinding or squealing noise during braking, which could indicate metal-to-metal contact from worn pads or warped discs. The calipers should be checked for binding or excessive heat discolouration, as this may suggest hydraulic issues or seized components. The tyres should be examined for sidewall perishing or cracking, which can occur even at moderate mileage due to age-related degradation. Given the vehicle’s age, the 12V battery should be tested for charge retention and overall health, as standing for extended periods can accelerate corrosion in the battery terminals and electrolyte. Finally, verify that all fluids—oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid—are at the correct levels and free from contamination or discolouration, as fluid degradation can accelerate wear in engine, transmission, and suspension systems. If the vehicle has a service history, confirm that scheduled maintenance, such as valve adjustments, timing belt replacement, and suspension component replacements, has been documented. If no service records are available, prioritise a professional inspection to confirm the absence of hidden issues, particularly in the suspension and drivetrain systems.