2016 Mercedes-Benz E 2.1L Diesel · AX16 BVV

A clean and consistent MOT record over the past three years establishes a reassuring baseline of roadworthiness for this 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, with no advisories or defects recorded across any of the tests since 2023. The most recent examination on 2 April 2026 was a pass with no defects, continuing a sequence of three successive clean tests and reinforcing that the vehicle has held up well under official scrutiny. A single failed test on 20 May 2024 stands out, but it was immediately followed the next day by a pass with no defects recorded, suggesting an item was rectified or addressed on the same visit rather than reflecting any underlying structural or mechanical concern. The absence of recurring advisories is particularly noteworthy on a car of this age, as wear-related items such as brake components, suspension bushes, and corrosion are commonly flagged at this stage of a vehicle's life. Taken together, the trend indicates a stable mechanical condition with no documented deterioration between annual tests. With 135,773 miles recorded over a ten-year lifespan, this E-Class has accumulated roughly 13,577 miles annually, placing it firmly in the higher-mileage bracket for its age. This rate of usage exceeds the typical UK average and implies that consumable items such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and clutch components will have been worked considerably harder than on a lower-mileage equivalent. The annual MOT cadence has been maintained without any testing gaps recorded, which is consistent with a car in regular service rather than one that has been laid up for extended periods. Higher annual mileage on a premium executive saloon of this generation tends to accelerate wear on suspension components, particularly the front lower control arm bushes, anti-roll bar links, and coil springs, as well as increasing the likelihood of oil seepage from the engine and automatic transmission assemblies. The continuity of mileage between tests, without any unusual jumps or inconsistencies, also suggests the odometer reading is authentic and the vehicle has been in steady operational use. Given the high annual mileage but absence of any flagged defects, a prospective buyer should concentrate on the components that would most plausibly be approaching or past their service interval on a car of this profile. A test drive should include deliberate driving over uneven surfaces, listening closely for any clonks, knocking, or creaking from the front suspension that could indicate worn control arm bushes or droplinks, both of which are common wear items on the W212 E-Class. Brake pedal feel should be assessed for any sponginess or excessive travel, while the steering should remain precise without vagueness at straight-ahead driving or clonking over speed humps, which can point to worn tie rod ends or top mounts. Under hard braking from around 40 mph, any vibration through the pedal or steering wheel would indicate warped or worn brake discs, and pulling to one side may suggest a binding caliper or uneven pad wear. Beyond the dynamic assessment, a static inspection should focus on areas historically vulnerable on this model. Check the engine and transmission sump areas for any signs of fresh oil staining, as even small seeps from the sumps, valve cover gaskets, or the oil filter housing can develop into more significant leaks. Examine the exhaust system from the manifold back, supporting brackets and rubber mounts for any corrosion or splits, particularly where it passes over the rear axle. Inspect the underside, including subframe mounting points and suspension components, for any surface corrosion that could progress. Tyres should be of matching brand and tread depth across the same axle, with even wear patterns indicating correct alignment, while the boot and spare wheel well should be checked for water ingress, which has been a known issue on some E-Class models. Finally, confirm that the service history includes recent replacement of items such as brake fluid, coolant, and automatic transmission fluid, as these are commonly overlooked on high-mileage vehicles and any neglect in these areas can lead to costly component failures further down the line.