2017 Mercedes-Benz E 1.9L Diesel · CK17 OAC

The most recent MOT, conducted on 22 December 2025 at 106,231 miles, returned a pass but flagged an advisory for slight play in the offside front track rod end ball joint. This is a recurring front-end wear item, having first appeared in the December 2025 test after previously clean records in 2023 and 2021. The maintenance trend is stable overall, though this emerging suspension wear suggests the vehicle is now entering a phase where front-end components require closer monitoring. The mileage accumulation is broadly typical for a 2017 vehicle, averaging roughly 11,800 miles per year. However, the record reveals a notable gap between July 2021 at 44,859 miles and January 2023 at 51,580 miles, covering only 6,721 miles over eighteen months. This suggests a period of very light use or prolonged standing, which can cause its own issues such as flat-spotted tyres, brake surface corrosion, and deteriorated rubber bushes from lack of movement. The annual mileage then increased significantly between 2023 and 2025, with 16,535 miles added in 2023 and 17,407 in 2024, indicating a shift to heavier, more consistent use. A buyer should inspect the front suspension carefully. The track rod end advisory at 106,231 miles points to wear in the steering linkage, and it would be prudent to check the nearside equivalent, inner tie rods, and lower arm bushes for play. Tyre condition also warrants attention. In December 2023 at 72,289 miles, both rear tyres were flagged as worn close to legal limits and worn on edge, indicating either aggressive use or a suspension alignment issue, or both. Uneven edge wear on the rear axle can point to worn rear bushes or misaligned tracking. The windscreen has a history of stone chips, with advisories in both 2023 and 2024, so check the current screen carefully for any cracks that may have developed since the last test. The braking system and underside should be examined with the mileage in mind. At over 106,000 miles, brake discs, pads, and rubber flexi-hoses are well within expected service wear windows. Look for surface corrosion on brake components, particularly given the low-mileage period in 2021–2022 that may have allowed standing corrosion to form. The exhaust system and subframes should be checked for corrosion, as higher-mileage Mercedes E-Class vehicles of this generation can develop rust in load-bearing areas and around suspension mounting points. Overall, the record reflects a vehicle that has been maintained to a passable standard but is now showing the first signs of age-related mechanical wear that a diligent buyer should verify in person.