2014 Mercedes-Benz E 2.0L Petrol · BS06 AMS

The defining mechanical feature of this Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a recurring windscreen chip pattern rather than any structural or running gear failure. Across six of the eight recorded tests, a minor damage marker was logged on the windscreen, predominantly on the offside front, and these have not been allowed to deteriorate into a fail. More substantively, the 2024 test surfaced two advisories that warrant close attention: an offside front suspension arm ball joint with slight play and a nearside front wheel bearing with slight play. Both are classic wear items on a vehicle of this age and can progress from advisory to failure within one or two test cycles if not addressed. The intervening tests in 2025 and the most recent pass on 21 May 2026 carried no defects, suggesting these advisories have not yet escalated into recorded failures, but they remain the single most relevant mechanical risk in the file. With eight tests recorded between May 2019 and May 2026 and an odometer reading of 58,819 miles, this E-Class has averaged roughly 4,900 miles per year over its twelve-year life, which is well below the typical annual accumulation for a UK vehicle. There are no significant gaps in the testing history and the mileage progression between consecutive MOTs is consistent rather than erratic, indicating the car has been in regular if light use rather than laid up for extended periods. Lower annual mileage of this nature generally means brake discs and pads, tyres and clutch components have worn proportionally less than on a higher mileage car, but it also raises the importance of checking for dried seals, perished rubber components and brake disc corrosion caused by infrequent use. The brakes in particular should be inspected for surface rust and any lipping on the front discs, as lightly driven Mercedes of this era are prone to disc pitting. The suspension and steering components flagged in the 2024 advisory require a targeted physical inspection rather than reliance on the road test alone. With the vehicle raised or on a ramp, the offside front lower wishbone, control arm bushings and the ball joint itself should be examined for perished rubber, separated bushes and any vertical or horizontal play at the joint; on the road, listen for clonking noises over speed humps and broken tarmac, particularly from the front offside corner. The nearside front wheel bearing should be assessed for roughness by rotating the wheel by hand and, on a test drive, for any increase in noise when gently swerving left and right at low speed, which loads and unloads the bearing. Steering should be checked for any vagueness off centre or uneven tyre wear across the front axle, which can indicate worn bushes or geometry issues associated with ageing suspension components. The brake system, whilst not flagged, deserves confirmation on a test drive given the vehicle's age and the pattern of light use. The pedal should feel firm with no sponginess or excessive travel, and any judder under braking would point to warped or corroded front discs. Under the bonnet, look for any signs of oil seepage from the valve cover gasket, oil filter housing and the area around the front timing cover, as these are common age-related issues on the M271 and OM651 engine families fitted to the W212 E-Class around this period. The cooling system should be checked for any staining around the radiator, expansion tank and coolant hoses, and the condition of the auxiliary belt and its tensioner noted. Finally, although not MOT items, confirm that the service history supports replacement of the brake fluid and coolant within their prescribed intervals, and that the tyres are of matching make and pattern with adequate tread across all four corners.