2022 Mercedes-Benz E 2.2L Diesel · AO22 KLA

The most recent DVSA examination on 3 March 2026 returned a PASS with no advisories or defects recorded, which is a positive immediate indicator of roadworthiness. Looking at the broader trajectory, the vehicle has demonstrated a generally stable maintenance pattern since first registration in 2022, securing clean passes in 2022, 2023, 2024, and again in 2025 and 2026. The single failure in early 2025 was an isolated minor electrical issue concerning a non-functional nearside front position lamp, a defect that is typically trivial to rectify and carries no mechanical significance regarding the powertrain, suspension, or braking systems. The only advisory ever issued was in March 2024, noting front brake pads as wearing thin, which is entirely consistent with the high mileage this vehicle has accumulated and suggests that subsequent brake attention has likely been carried out. Overall, the trend is stable, and the absence of structural or corrosion-related advisories is reassuring for a Mercedes-Benz E-Class of this vintage. The recorded mileage of 257,879 miles over approximately four years equates to an annual average of around 64,470 miles, which is exceptionally high and places this vehicle firmly in the high-wear usage category. This rate of accumulation is roughly three to four times the typical UK private vehicle mileage, suggesting prolonged high-speed motorway use or intensive commercial or fleet-style operation. Mechanically, such sustained high mileage accelerates wear on all major consumables and drivetrain components, including the dual-mass flywheel or torque converter, turbocharger, engine mounts, suspension bushes, coil springs, and wheel bearings. There are no apparent gaps in the MOT record, indicating continuous use rather than extended periods of standing, which is generally favourable as it reduces the risk of seized brakes, perished seals, and severe underfloor corrosion. However, the buyer must be cognisant that major service items such as timing chains, automatic transmission fluid, and differential oils may already be due or overdue on a mileage rather than calendar basis. Given the high annual mileage, particular attention should be paid during a pre-purchase inspection to the condition of the braking system, including a thorough check of brake disc wear and run-out, as warped discs can produce perceptible pedal pulsation and shudder under heavy braking. The front brake pad advisory from 2024 means the discs were likely replaced or refaced at that point, but rear pads and discs should now be inspected for remaining material. On a test drive, listen carefully for any clonks or knocks from the front suspension over speed bumps, which would indicate worn anti-roll bar bushes, drop links, or top mount deterioration, and pay attention to any vibration through the steering wheel that might suggest wheel balancing issues or worn tie rod ends. Inspect all four tyres for tread depth uniformity and confirm there is no uneven shoulder wear, which can point to geometry misalignment from kerb impacts, a common issue on high-mileage executive saloons. Beyond the braking and suspension systems, a vehicle covering this mileage will benefit from a comprehensive service history verification, particularly evidence of recent automatic gearbox fluid and filter changes, differential oil replacement if applicable, and spark plug or coil pack renewals on petrol variants. Check the underside for any oil seeps from the sump, rear main seal, or transmission pan, and inspect the exhaust system for blowing joints or corroded mounting rubbers, as these can produce droning noises under load. Examine all coolant and washer fluid hoses for signs of perishing, and verify the air conditioning system functions effectively, as condenser and compressor wear scales with engine hours. Finally, confirm that the 12-volt battery is recent, as auxiliary battery failure is common on high-mileage Mercedes-Benz vehicles fitted with extensive electrical systems, and request a diagnostic scan to identify any latent fault codes stored in modules such as the AdBlue system, active suspension, or airbag controllers, which would not necessarily be flagged during a standard MOT examination.