2012 Mercedes-Benz C 2.1L Diesel · CA61 MLK
2012 Mercedes-Benz C (2.1L, diesel). First registered 01 Feb 2012. Recorded mileage 129,527 miles. MOT expired on 22 Sept 2026. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ C
- Year / Origin
- 2012 · Cardiff
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 22 Sept 2026
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (18 Jun 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 129,527 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 2.1L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Outstanding Safety Recall Notice
Action RequiredOfficial DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
CA61 MLK Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 02/09/2025
- 129,527 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
CA61 MLK MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (CA61 MLK) between February 2022 and September 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 02 September 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (6 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Tyres (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 10 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Lower Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))”; “Nearside Front Lower Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))”.
CA61 MLK Mileage History
- 19/02/202298,877 mi
- 04/05/2023109,239 mi+10,362 mi
- 05/05/2023109,246 mi+7 mi
- 24/09/2024115,745 mi+6,499 mi
- 02/09/2025129,527 mi+13,782 mi
Average of roughly 8,670 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
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MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
A solid, well-maintained example of the 2012 C-Class diesel, though buyers should be mindful of its age and mileage. It is a viable purchase provided the recent brake pipe work has been documented.
Prioritise checking the service history to ensure the brake pipe corrosion noted in September 2024 was fully rectified with replacements rather than temporary repairs. Given the 2.1L diesel engine's mileage, ask for evidence of timing chain checks or oil changes to ensure long-term engine health.
Negotiate based on the upcoming service requirements and the age of the tyres, as the 2024 MOT highlighted wear on both rear tyres. Ensure that the brake wear warning lamp issue from 2023 was resolved by a full pad and disc replacement rather than just a sensor reset.
The 2143cc diesel engine offers a good balance of motorway efficiency and power, though tax bands for 2012 models are higher than modern equivalents. Insurance for the C-Class typically falls into a mid-range group, making it manageable for most drivers.
Maintenance costs for Mercedes-Benz vehicles can be higher than budget brands, particularly for parts. Between fuel, road tax, insurance, and the likely need for periodic suspension or brake work on a car of this age, expect a moderate annual spend.
Carefully inspect the underbody and brake lines. The 2024 MOT recorded corrosion on both nearside and offside front and rear brake pipes; verify that these have been replaced and are not showing new signs of rust. Check the exhaust system for stability, as a loose central silencer joint was noted in May 2023.
Inspect the front suspension components, specifically the anti-roll bar linkage ball joints, which caused a failure in 2023. Finally, check the tyre tread depth across all four corners to ensure the wear issues noted in 2024 have been addressed with quality replacements.
This white Mercedes-Benz C-Class has covered 129,527 miles since February 2012, showing a consistent usage pattern. While it passed its most recent MOT in September 2025 with no defects, the 2024 history reveals significant corrosion on all four brake pipes. The vehicle has generally been kept in roadworthy condition, though it has faced typical wear-and-tear issues associated with a 14-year-old diesel executive car.
The 2012 C-Class is generally regarded as a robust executive car, though older diesel variants often require diligent maintenance of the braking system and suspension.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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