2004 Mercedes-Benz E 3.2L Diesel · CA54 MWF

The 2004 Mercedes-Benz E remains roadworthy as of the most recent test on 23 January 2026 at 177,701 miles, where the tester recorded no defects. The maintenance trend is stable, with three consecutive passes following a single failure in early 2024 that was reversed within two days on a clean re-test. No advisories or recurring faults appear across the five-year record, indicating the vehicle has not shown worsening mechanical or structural decline. Annual mileage has been exceptionally low for a 22-year-old car. Between the 4 January 2023 test at 176,602 miles and the 23 January 2026 test at 177,701 miles, the odometer advanced only 1,099 miles, an average of roughly 366 miles per year. The gap between the 17 January 2024 failure and the 19 January 2024 pass shows identical mileage of 177,314, confirming the failure was administrative or undocumented rather than a driven defect. Such sparse use over three years suggests long periods of standing, which commonly accelerates rubber perishing and corrosion on unused components. A buyer should still commission an in-person inspection of suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake calipers for binding or seizure caused by inactivity. The DVSA record flags no exhaust emissions or structural integrity issues, but standing vehicles often develop hidden subframe corrosion not visible in a pass result. Verify the condition of tyres and wiper blades, as these consumables degrade with age regardless of low mileage. Given the clean MOT history and typical per-year mileage for its age class, the vehicle presents as lightly used with no recorded mechanical warnings. Physical examination of underbody rust and fluid contamination remains the only outstanding due diligence before purchase.