2009 Mercedes-Benz C 1.6L Petrol · CU09 NFG

The most recent DVSA examination recorded a PASS on 15 December 2025 with a single advisory item concerning a nearside rear inner brake pipe corroded and covered in grease or other material in the sill area. Reviewing the trajectory of the last several tests, the maintenance trend is clearly one of gradual deterioration rather than improvement. The 2022 and 2021 tests flagged front brake disc wear, the 2021 test also picked up a slight play in an offside front suspension radius arm ball joint, and rear tyre damage or perishing has been a recurring theme across multiple tests. Most tellingly, the 2023 test recorded a cluster of advisories for corrosion on both rear sub-frame sections and three separate brake pipes, and the 2025 advisory confirms that brake pipe corrosion on the nearside rear inner run has persisted despite the intervening period. This pattern is consistent with an older vehicle where age-related corrosion and wear on key underbody and braking components are progressing steadily. The recorded mileage of 104,612 miles against a 2009 registration equates to roughly 6,150 miles per annum, which is broadly typical for a car of this age that has likely seen mixed commuting and occasional longer use. The MOT history shows no extended gaps in testing, and the mileage progression between successive tests is consistent rather than erratic, suggesting continuous if modest use rather than long periods of standing. At this annual rate, the vehicle has accumulated reasonable but not excessive mechanical wear, and while the engine, transmission and drivetrain should have been exercised regularly enough to avoid major issues associated with long-term standing, the underbody and braking components have nonetheless accumulated the kind of corrosion one would expect from seventeen winters of road salt exposure. Given the recurring brake pipe corrosion advisories, particular attention must be paid to the entire braking hydraulic circuit during a pre-purchase inspection. The advisories over the past three tests suggest that surface corrosion on the rear brake lines, particularly along the sill area, is an ongoing issue that will ultimately require pipe replacement rather than merely cleaning and re-greasing. On a test drive, listen for any sponginess or excessive travel in the brake pedal, and check for fluid leaks beneath the car after the system has been pressurised. A competent inspection should include the inner sills, rear sub-frame mounting points, and any underseal or wax injection to gauge the severity of corrosion. The 2023 advisories specifically noted that sub-frame corrosion had not significantly reduced structural rigidity, but this is a finite position; continued progression could lead to an MOT failure if corrosion begins to affect load-bearing integrity. Similarly, the 2021 advisory for offside front suspension radius arm ball joint play warrants a current physical check by elevating the front end and rocking the wheels to detect any renewed movement, as worn ball joints typically present as clonks or knocks over speed humps and uneven road surfaces. Beyond the items flagged on the MOT record, a vehicle of this age and mileage requires inspection of components that deteriorate with calendar age rather than mileage alone. Tyres should be checked carefully for sidewall perishing and cracking regardless of tread depth, as previous advisories indicate this is an established issue on this chassis. The front brake discs, flagged as worn and lipped in 2020, 2021 and pitted by 2022, will almost certainly be due for replacement at this stage and should be measured for minimum thickness. Coolant, brake fluid and automatic transmission fluid (where applicable) should be considered overdue for renewal on a time basis, and the 12V battery health should be verified as original units of this age are well beyond typical service life. Finally, inspect the exhaust system for internal corrosion and check all underbody rubber and plastic components for perishing, paying particular attention to anti-roll bar bushes, drop links and engine mount condition, as these are common age-related wear items on a W204-era Mercedes-Benz that may not yet have reached advisory status but will be approaching the point of requiring attention.