2010 Mercedes-Benz ML 3.5L Diesel · BF10 FXL

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance history shows a worsening trend regarding mechanical seals and fluid management. While the most recent test on 17 June 2025 at 117,502 miles passed, the tester identified thin brake pads on both front wheels and an oil leak. This follows a progression from the February 2024 failure where the oil leak was noted as excessive, suggesting that the root cause of fluid degradation has not been adequately addressed, merely managed over time. At 117,502 miles, the vehicle has averaged approximately 7,344 miles per year, which is consistent with typical usage for a sixteen-year-old Mercedes. There is a significant gap in records between December 2021 and January 2023, during which the vehicle covered roughly 2,400 miles. The rapid accumulation leading into the February 2024 test at 107,897 miles reveals a period of higher use that resulted in a serious fluid leak on the nearside front shock absorber and a structural tyre sidewall failure. A buyer must prioritize a thorough inspection of the engine bay to determine the source of the recurring oil leak, as the transition from 'excessive' to 'not excessive' indicates a persistent seal failure. The suspension system requires close scrutiny, specifically checking the replacement of the shock absorber from the 2024 failure to ensure other components have not suffered secondary wear. Given the thin front brake pads flagged in the 2025 test, an immediate brake service is likely required to ensure the vehicle remains within safety parameters.