2010 Mercedes-Benz E 3.0L Diesel · BF10 EWC

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class presents a mixed maintenance picture. The most recent MOT, conducted on 9 February 2026 at 153,733 miles, passed but flagged two advisories that suggest basic consumable upkeep has been reactive rather than proactive. Both rear tyres were worn close to legal limits and worn on edge, indicating the vehicle may have been driven on degraded rubber for some time. The front brake discs were also flagged as worn, pitted, or scored. While not seriously weakened, this points to a lack of timely brake servicing. The trend is not worsening in a structural sense, but it reveals a pattern of deferred minor maintenance rather than careful preventative care. The mileage accumulation is broadly typical for a 16-year-old vehicle, averaging roughly 9,608 miles per year. The record shows a notable gap between the March 2023 test at 127,390 miles and the February 2025 test at 141,128 miles, representing 13,738 miles over nearly two years. This is a moderate rate of use, but the gap itself is worth noting. It could reflect lighter use or a period of limited activity, yet the advisories in 2025 and 2026 suggest the vehicle was not meticulously maintained during that interval. The 2024 test at 135,996 miles recorded only a minor oil leak advisory, which is relatively benign for a car of this age and mileage. A buyer should pay close attention to the braking system and fluid lines. In March 2023, both front brake pipes were flagged as corroded and covered in grease or other material. This is a significant finding on a safety-critical component. Although the vehicle passed subsequent tests without this being re-flagged, corrosion on brake lines can be progressive and may have been cleaned or concealed rather than properly repaired. A thorough underbody inspection is essential to check for ongoing corrosion to brake lines, fuel lines, and structural mounting points. The recurring tyre wear advisories across multiple tests, including inner wall cracking and edge wear, also suggests possible suspension or tracking issues. Worn rear tyres with uneven edge wear often point to worn suspension bushes or misaligned geometry, which should be physically checked. The oil leak advisory noted in March 2024 at 135,996 miles was described as not excessive, but on a Mercedes-Benz E-Class of this age, oil leaks commonly stem from valve cover gaskets, oil cooler seals, or crankshaft seals. A buyer should inspect the engine and undercarriage for fresh oil residue or weeping. Overall, the vehicle has not failed an MOT, but the advisory history indicates a car that has been kept running rather than carefully maintained. A pre-purchase inspection focusing on brake line integrity, suspension components, and the source of any oil seepage is strongly recommended.