2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 315 Premium CDI 1.9L Diesel · BD22 WYB

The most recent DVSA examination on 5 June 2026 recorded a Pass, which on the surface suggests the vehicle is currently roadworthy. However, this pass was achieved only six days after a Fail on 29 May 2025, and the defects that caused that failure were rectified without being recorded as advisories on the subsequent test. The advisories carried forward from the failed examination, namely slight play in both front lower suspension arm ball joints and both front track rod end ball joints, remain on the record. The windscreen wiper and both outer constant velocity joint boots that failed in May 2026 have been replaced, but a minor advisory for windscreen damage remains. The overall maintenance trend should therefore be viewed as stable at best but with underlying concerns, as the suspension and steering wear flagged in 2025 is persisting into 2026 and could progress toward failure if not addressed. Earlier records from May 2025 also identified dangerously low front tyre tread and substandard service brake efficiency, indicating that braking and tyre management required urgent attention at that point. With approximately 163,732 miles recorded against a 2022 registration, this Sprinter has covered roughly 40,933 miles per year, which is considerably above average for a commercial vehicle and approaches the upper threshold typically associated with heavy fleet or long-distance operation. Such intensive use places sustained demand on clutch, dual mass flywheel if manual, turbocharger, injectors, adblue system, brake discs and pads, and suspension components. The MOT history shows annual mileage progression consistent with continuous working use rather than extended standing periods, meaning calendar-based degradation of coolant, brake fluid, and diesel contamination of engine oil is less likely than mechanical fatigue of wear items. The recorded mileage trend implies that consumable replacement intervals should be shorter than those suggested for a lower mileage example of the same age. The recurring advisories for play in the front lower suspension arm ball joints and front track rod end ball joints warrant close physical inspection. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, speed humps, or when turning at low speed, and feel for vagueness, wandering, or a lack of self-centring in the steering. These components typically deteriorate progressively, and once play becomes pronounced it can lead to MOT failure and, more importantly, compromise steering precision and braking stability under load. Given the vehicle's commercial application, the front suspension will have been subjected to near-constant laden work, accelerating wear on bushes, anti-roll bar links, and coil springs. A thorough inspection on a ramp for perished bushes, leaking shock absorbers, and uneven front tyre wear is strongly advised. The May 2025 failure for service brake efficiency and dangerous front tyre condition, together with the recorded repair of both CV joint boots in 2026, highlights a pattern of wear-related intervention. Prospective buyers should confirm the age, condition, and fitting record of the current brake discs and pads, as warped or heavily corroded discs may still be present even if efficiency was restored by pad replacement alone. Inspect both CV joint boots visually for fresh grease deposits or splits, and rotate each front wheel by hand to listen for clicking or grating from the constant velocity joints, which would indicate contamination damage already sustained. Verify the service history stamps for recent replacement of brake fluid, engine oil and filter, and coolant, as these are time-sensitive regardless of mileage. Given the elevated annual mileage, also check turbocharger actuator operation, listen for injector rattle on cold start, and confirm that the adblue system is functioning correctly without stored fault codes, as these are known high-cost failure areas on the OM654 engine used in this generation of Sprinter.