2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class 1.5L Diesel · CE64 KVL

The defining mechanical story for this B-Class is a rear coil spring failure on a low-mileage, twelve-year-old car, an outcome that sits at odds with the otherwise clean pass record. The vehicle was presented for test on 26 March 2026 and failed outright on a fractured offside rear coil spring, with the nearside rear unit also flagged as corroded under advisory. It was re-submitted five days later on 1 April 2026 and passed with no defects recorded, indicating the failed component was replaced and the opposite side addressed sufficiently to pass. Aside from that single failure, the MOT history shows six consecutive passes between 2020 and 2025, with advisories limited to tyre condition in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. The record is therefore largely clean but the spring issue is a meaningful one given the car's age and very modest mileage, and it warrants close physical inspection. Recorded mileage of 40,128 miles across twelve years equates to roughly 3,344 miles annually, which is exceptionally low for a vehicle of this type and age. The MOT history does not show any extended gaps in testing, with annual entries from 2020 onwards, suggesting the car has been in regular use rather than laid up for long periods. Low annual mileage of this nature reduces wear on major drivetrain and engine components but can be harsh on certain underbody items; seals, bushings, brake calipers, and coil springs can deteriorate more from standing in damp conditions, condensation, and infrequent use than from higher mileages on a regularly driven car. The rear coil spring failure recorded in early 2026 is consistent with this pattern and may indicate broader vulnerability in the rear suspension hardware. The rear suspension should be the priority area for any prospective buyer. A full visual inspection of both rear coil springs for signs of corrosion pitting or coating loss is worthwhile, particularly on the nearside rear where the advisory was raised just before the failure. The strut assemblies, lower spring seats, and any associated rubber components should also be checked for corrosion, as the offside unit fractured outright and adjacent parts may have been under similar stress. On test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the rear over speed humps, rough surfaces, and during direction changes, and feel for any vagueness in the rear suspension response that could indicate a weakened spring or top mount. A bouncing motion after pressing down on each rear corner is a classic symptom of a fractured or sagging spring. The recurring offside front tyre advisory across 2022, 2023, and 2024 is notable in that it appears on the same wheel for three consecutive tests before disappearing from the most recent records. The wording 'slightly damaged/cracking or perishing' suggests sidewall deterioration rather than a one-off impact, and on a low-mileage car persistent cracking of this type can point to age-related rubber degradation, possibly accelerated by under-inflation or prolonged exposure to UV. A close inspection of the offside front tyre sidewall for hairline cracks, bulging, or scuffing is advisable, and the offside rear tyre flagged in 2021 should be considered in the same context. Beyond these recorded items, the brake discs and calipers warrant a physical check given the low mileage, as seized or binding calipers are common on cars that see limited use; a test drive should include several firm stops from around 30 mph to confirm the car pulls straight, the pedal feels firm, and there is no judder or vibration through the steering wheel. Any signs of corrosion on the underbody, exhaust hangers, or subframe mounting points should also be examined closely given the spring failure history and the car's age.