2011 Mercedes-Benz E 2.1L Diesel · AP04 BOS

Recurring tyre edge wear and brake-related interventions define the documented mechanical history of this Mercedes-Benz, punctuated by a single failure in January 2022 due to a heavily damaged nearside front tyre and persistent corrosion advisories on both front and rear metal brake lines. That failure was swiftly rectified the following day, leading into the latest inspection on January 12 2026 where the vehicle secured a pass while noting that the nearsside front tyre was once again worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge. This repeating pattern of inner or outer shoulder wear across various axle positions indicates a persistent sensitivity in wheel alignment geometry or suspension compliance rather than isolated incidents. Accumulating 91,470 miles over roughly fifteen years yields an average annual distance of just over 6,000 miles, aligning closely with typical UK motoring expectations for a large executive saloon of this era. The testing frequency reveals a generally consistent annual submission cadence, though a noticeable multi-year gap exists prior to November 2019 followed by steady yearly testing through the 2020s. This moderate usage profile means major drivetrain components have not been subjected to extreme commuter mileage, yet stationary periods or age-related environmental exposure have clearly started to impact metallic and rubber sub-assemblies. A thorough physical inspection during your viewing must begin with a detailed examination of the underbody, specifically targeting the brake lines that were previously flagged for corrosion and protective grease coatings. You should check the rigid metal hydraulic lines along the chassis rails and behind the wheel arches for flaking rust or pitting, ensuring they have not deteriorated further beneath any protective underseal. Additionally, verify the state of the engine bay and under-trays, keeping in mind the advisory noted for an oil leak in January 2025; inspect the lower engine and transmission areas for active weeping, gasket seepage, or fresh fluid accumulation to determine the source of the leak. During the test drive, pay close attention to tyre wear patterns and handling stability to address the recurring tracking and tread wear advisories. Listen carefully for any knocking or clunking noises from the multi-link suspension setup when negotiating potholes, speed humps, or sharp cornering, as worn control arm bushes or ball joints frequently contribute to uneven shoulder wear on these chassis. Furthermore, test the braking system thoroughly at safe speeds to ensure firm pedal feedback without pulling to one side, which would suggest binding calipers or compromised hydraulic pressure in the previously flagged brake lines.