2014 Mercedes-Benz E 3.0L Diesel · AY14 VPK

The vehicle holds a valid MOT certificate dated 10 June 2025 at 82,634 miles, but the maintenance trend is one of gradual neglect rather than consistent care. The most recent test was a retest after a failure just five days prior, triggered by a nearside rear inner tyre with exposed ply or cords, a serious structural defect that suggests basic pre-check preparation was skipped. Advisories carried forward from the failure include a damaged offside front anti-roll bar linkage and a non-excessive oil leak, both of which have appeared repeatedly across multiple tests without permanent resolution. While the car passed on the second attempt, the pattern of recurring minor faults and last-minute corrections points to reactive rather than preventative maintenance. At twelve years old with 82,634 miles, the recorded mileage averages roughly 6,886 miles per year, which is typical for its age and does not raise immediate concern. The MOT record shows a notable gap between February 2021 and June 2022, a fourteen-month interval during which no test was recorded, though the mileage increased by approximately 8,171 miles in that period. From June 2022 onward, annual testing resumed consistently, and the mileage progression from 61,437 miles to 82,634 miles over four years indicates steady but unspectacular use. There are no glaring anomalies in the odometer readings, and the data set is sufficiently complete to assess long-term trends. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension and drivetrain oil sealing. The offside front anti-roll bar linkage has been flagged in three of the last four tests, first for a deteriorated ball joint dust cover in December 2023 and subsequently for damage in June 2025, suggesting progressive wear that may now require full linkage or bush replacement. The persistent front oil leak, noted as non-excessive since at least June 2022, warrants a thorough check of the front crankshaft seal, cam cover gaskets, and oil cooler pipe unions for fresh weeping or residue. Front brake discs have been flagged as worn or pitted in consecutive tests since 2022, so expect reduced disc thickness and potential lipping. Tyre condition is another area of concern. The June 2025 failure exposed a nearside rear tyre with cord visible through the sidewall, a defect that should have been identified before the test, while the offside front inner tyre has repeatedly worn unevenly on its edge. This points to possible tracking misalignment, worn suspension bushes, or under-inflation, and a four-wheel alignment check is strongly advised. Inspect the inner sidewalls of all four tyres for cuts, bulges, or age-related cracking, particularly if the car has stood for extended periods. Overall, the record reflects a mechanically sound but cosmetically and cosmetically neglected vehicle that will benefit from a thorough suspension and brake overhaul before long-term use.