2012 Mercedes-Benz E 3.0L Diesel · CP62 KVZ

Corrosion of the braking system represents the most significant mechanical concern for this vehicle, following a progression from advisories to major failures. While the most recent test on 13 November 2025 resulted in a pass, this followed a failure on 10 November 2025 due to excessive corrosion on both the nearside and offside front brake pipes. The history shows a recurring pattern regarding these components, with corrosion being noted as an advisory as far back as 2020 and 2024. This indicates a trend of advancing degradation in the metal brake lines that required remedial action to meet safety standards. The vehicle has covered 76,036 miles over its 14-year lifespan, which equates to an average annual usage of approximately 5,431 miles. This is a low mileage profile for a vehicle of this age and class. While lower mileage typically implies less mechanical wear on high-friction components like engine internals or gearbox assemblies, it can also correlate with longer periods of inactivity or storage. In this specific case, the low annual mileage aligns with the recorded corrosion issues, as vehicles that are driven less frequently may be more susceptible to surface oxidation and the buildup of moisture or debris on underbody components like brake pipes. A prospective buyer should pay close attention to the integrity of the braking system during a physical inspection and test drive. Although the major failures regarding the front brake pipes were addressed to secure the pass in November 2025, the history of corrosion suggests that other sections of the braking system, such as rear brake lines, calipers, or the master cylinder, should be scrutinised. During a test drive, listen for any unusual clicking or grinding sounds when applying the brakes and feel for any sponginess in the pedal or a lack of consistent pressure, which could indicate air ingress or further degradation in the hydraulic lines. Additional attention should be given to the exterior trim and visibility components. The rear registration plate has been flagged as deteriorated in every recorded test since at least 2021, suggesting a persistent issue with the plate's physical condition. Furthermore, while the windscreen wiper failure in 2023 was resolved, the effectiveness of the wiper blades and the washer system should be verified to ensure clear visibility. Given the low mileage and the specific focus on brake line corrosion, a thorough inspection of the vehicle's underbody for any signs of further structural or fluid-carrying component decay is advisable.