2010 Mercedes-Benz E 2.1L Diesel · BN60 UTW

The vehicle’s most recent MOT test on 28 August 2025—just under a year ago at 130,356 miles—confirmed full roadworthiness with no defects recorded. This marks a stable pattern of compliance over the past two tests, though the 2024 cycle included a duplicate entry (both pass and fail at 124,132 miles), which may indicate a clerical anomaly rather than a mechanical issue. The absence of advisories or recurring faults in the last two tests suggests the vehicle has not experienced persistent problems with suspension bushes, coil springs, binding calipers, or exhaust emissions—components commonly flagged in older Mercedes-Benz models. That said, the 2023 tests at 189,311 miles reveal a failed emission test followed by a pass, implying either a temporary fix or a test centre error, but no structural or safety-critical failures were documented. The mileage progression shows an unusual spike between August 2023 (189,311 miles) and August 2024 (124,132 miles), a drop of 65,179 miles over a year—an anomaly given the vehicle’s typical annual usage of around 8,000 miles. This suggests either odometer tampering, a reset, or an extended period of non-use, which could mask underlying wear. The subsequent 6,224 miles logged between August 2024 and August 2025 aligns more closely with expected usage, but the abrupt mileage jump raises questions about the vehicle’s true service history. Buyers should verify the odometer reading against service records or maintenance logs, as discrepancies could indicate hidden issues. Given the lack of documented faults in the most recent tests, the primary focus for an in-person inspection should centre on high-wear components that often fail without warning. The suspension—particularly the rear coil springs and bushes—should be examined for uneven sagging, perished rubber, or corrosion, as these are common failure points in a 16-year-old Mercedes-Benz. Brake discs and pads, while not explicitly failed in tests, may exhibit uneven wear or glazing, especially if the vehicle has experienced rapid mileage changes. The exhaust system should be checked for leaks or excessive rust, particularly around joints and underbody mounts, while the engine bay should reveal signs of oil leaks or degraded hoses. The 2023 emission failure, though unresolved, warrants scrutiny of the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors, as these can degrade silently over time. Finally, the structural integrity of the chassis and body panels—especially around wheel arches and sills—must be assessed for corrosion, as this is a critical but often overlooked risk in older vehicles.