2018 Mercedes-Benz B-Class 1.6L Petrol · AJ18 OKW

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz B-Class presents a stable and generally improving maintenance trend, culminating in a clean pass on 23 July 2025 at 45,981 miles with only a minor windscreen advisory noted. The record shows a clear resolution of the more concerning defects flagged during the 2023 test, where both front wipers were failing to clear the screen effectively and both front tyres were worn to the legal limit, with the offside tyre additionally exhibiting a structural bulge caused by internal separation. These tyre and wiper faults were rectified before the subsequent July 2023 retest, which passed with zero defects. The 2024 and 2025 tests both recorded only a central windscreen damage advisory that did not impair the driver's view, indicating the screen chip or crack has remained stable and within acceptable limits across two consecutive annual inspections. Mileage accumulation on this B-Class is notably low for an eight-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 5,748 miles per year. The progression from 27,782 miles in July 2022 to 33,470 miles by July 2023 represents a jump of 5,688 miles in twelve months, which is consistent with the annual average. However, the subsequent twelve-month intervals show a marked slowdown: only 5,994 miles added between July 2023 and July 2024, and a further 6,517 miles by July 2025. The vehicle has been covering less distance in recent years, which may indicate a change in ownership pattern or reduced daily use. The 2022 test noted under shields fitted, which is a positive sign of mechanical protection being maintained, though no further under-shield comments appear in later records. A prospective buyer should pay close attention to the front tyres and suspension components during any physical inspection. The 2023 failure revealed both front tyres worn on their edges, which typically points to misaligned tracking or worn suspension bushes allowing excessive camber. The structural bulge on the offside tyre is a more serious concern, as internal separation can recur if the root cause, such as a damaged wheel, incorrect tyre seating, or a manufacturing defect in replacement tyres, has not been properly addressed. Inspect the inner and outer sidewalls of all four tyres carefully and check for uneven wear patterns that would confirm ongoing alignment issues. The recurring windscreen damage advisory across the 2024 and 2025 tests suggests a stone chip or crack in the central area that has not worsened sufficiently to fail the test but has also not been repaired. Verify whether this damage is in the swept area of the wiper blades and whether it is likely to spread with temperature changes or road vibration. Given the low mileage and improving defect record, this B-Class appears to have been maintained to a reasonable standard, but the tyre-related history warrants a thorough under-vehicle and suspension check before purchase.