2018 Mercedes-Benz B-Class 1.5L Diesel · AX18 NTG

The most recent DVSA MOT test, conducted on 14 April 2026, resulted in a Pass, though one Minor defect and several advisories were noted at this examination. Across the six recorded tests since 2021, the vehicle has consistently passed, with the 2024 and 2021 tests recorded entirely without advisories, suggesting a stable maintenance profile overall. However, a review of the recent history indicates a gradual accumulation of tyre-related advisories in 2022, 2023, 2025, and 2026, alongside a Minor defect in the current test relating to a deteriorated anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover. The trend is therefore not deteriorating in a structural sense, but it does show recurring concerns around tyres and the first signs of wear in the front suspension components, warranting close inspection during a pre-purchase evaluation. With approximately 38,320 miles recorded over eight years, the vehicle is averaging around 4,790 miles annually, which is considerably below the typical mileage for a car of this age. Such low annual usage suggests either predominantly short journeys or extended periods of standing, both of which carry their own mechanical implications. Short-trip driving tends to be hard on oil, coolant, and brake fluid due to insufficient operating temperatures, while prolonged standing can promote corrosion on brake discs, binding of brake calipers, deterioration of rubber components, and degradation of the 12V battery. The relative absence of wear-related advisories on consumables such as brake pads and discs in the MOT record supports the likelihood that the vehicle has seen modest use, but it does not eliminate the calendar-based deterioration that affects vehicles regardless of mileage. Given the recurring advisories on tyres, the prospective purchaser should carry out a thorough inspection of all four tyres, paying particular attention to the 225/40 R18 specification noted in the records. Edge wear on the front pair, as flagged in 2022, 2023, and again in 2026, can indicate incorrect wheel alignment, worn suspension bushes, or worn lower wishbone components, and a test drive should include driving over uneven surfaces to listen for any clonks from the front suspension. The latest advisories also record cracking, perishing, and cuts on both front and rear tyres, which is consistent with the age of the vehicle rather than mileage; any tyre older than five years from its date of manufacture should be examined closely for sidewall cracking, and replacement should be budgeted if the DOT markings suggest they are nearing or beyond this threshold. A budget for a full set of replacement tyres should reasonably be anticipated as part of any purchase negotiation. The Minor defect recorded on the nearside front lower anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover should be treated as an early warning sign. While the joint itself is not yet flagged as worn, the perished cover will allow water and debris ingress, accelerating wear of the ball joint. On a test drive, the buyer should listen carefully for knocking or rattling sounds from the front suspension over speed humps, rough roads, or during directional changes. Beyond the recorded items, the low-mileage profile makes several age-related checks particularly important: the 12V battery should be tested for its state of health, as batteries typically require replacement every five to six years regardless of use; brake discs should be inspected for surface corrosion, which can cause vibration or shudder under braking if severe; brake fluid, coolant, and automatic transmission fluid (where applicable) should be checked for service history, as these degrade over time; and the underside should be examined for any standing corrosion, particularly around suspension components, exhaust mounting points, and underbody bracing. Verifying the full service history, particularly evidence of regular brake fluid changes and a recent cambelt or timing chain inspection in line with Mercedes-Benz recommended intervals, will be essential to confirming that this low-mileage B-Class has been correctly maintained throughout its life.