1985 Mercedes-Benz E 2.3L Petrol · B741 GGM

The vehicle’s most recent MOT test on 2025-03-29 passed without recorded defects, but the immediate preceding test on 2025-03-28 failed—an unusual anomaly given the lack of defect details. Beyond this, the pattern over the past four years shows stability, with no repeated failures or advisories. The 2022-09-13 failure, also without specifics, stands out as the last instance of non-compliance, yet the subsequent tests in 2022 and 2023 passed cleanly. While the 2025 back-to-back tests are suspicious, the absence of recurring issues suggests either a one-off administrative error or a vehicle that has largely avoided serious mechanical neglect. That said, the lack of defect details in any failure is concerning—standard practice would require even minor faults to be logged. The recorded mileage of 166,666 miles over 41 years equates to roughly 4,065 miles annually, a figure unusually low for a vehicle of this age. The longest gap between tests spans from 2023-11-22 to 2025-03-29—a 16-month period covering 14,000 miles—suggesting the vehicle was either lightly used or stood idle for extended periods. The 2022 failure followed closely by a pass in September of the same year hints at either rapid rectification or a temporary oversight. Such low mileage could imply deferred maintenance, particularly for components like suspension bushes, which degrade more slowly with minimal use but may have accumulated hidden wear over time. Given the sparse defect history, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the suspension geometry, particularly the rear axle and coil springs, which are prone to fatigue in older Mercedes-Benz models. The 2022 failure, though undocumented, may have involved binding brakes or worn brake discs—common issues in high-mileage vehicles. Exhaust emissions should also be checked, as older diesel models often develop leaks or catalytic converter inefficiencies over time. Corrosion at wheel arches, subframes, and rear sills is another critical area, especially if the vehicle has spent periods off-road or in damp conditions. The lack of advisories in recent tests does not guarantee these areas are intact, so visual and functional checks are essential.