2010 Mercedes-Benz E 2.1L Diesel · DF60 VMZ

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 29 November 2022, though the historical record suggests a concerning trend regarding preventative maintenance. The repeated occurrence of dangerous failures due to tyre tread depth falling below the legal limit in both 2019 and 2021 indicates a reactive rather than proactive approach to vehicle upkeep. Furthermore, the persistent mention of a deteriorated offside front anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover over several years suggests that minor defects have been ignored, which can lead to accelerated component failure. With a recorded mileage of 126,416 miles over a sixteen year period, the vehicle has averaged approximately 7,901 miles per year. This is considered typical usage for a luxury saloon of this era and suggests a steady operational history without significant periods of prolonged standing or excessive fleet-style usage. At this mileage, the buyer should expect standard wear on high-stress components, including the drivetrain and suspension systems, making it essential to verify that major service intervals have been adhered to in the vehicle's service history. A thorough physical inspection of the tyres is essential, specifically looking for uneven wear on the edges of the front tyres, which often signals incorrect wheel alignment or worn suspension components. During a test drive, the buyer should listen for clunking or knocking sounds from the front end when traversing uneven road surfaces, as this would indicate that the previously noted suspension arm bushes and anti-roll bar joints have progressed from deterioration to failure. The recurring dust cover issue is significant because a split boot allows road grit and moisture to enter the joint, leading to premature wear and eventual failure of the ball joint itself. Given the vehicle's age and the evidence of deferred maintenance on consumables, the buyer must verify the condition of the brake discs and pads for uneven wear or corrosion. It is also critical to examine the service book for evidence of calendar-based fluid changes, particularly the automatic transmission fluid and engine oil, as these degrade regardless of mileage. Finally, the rear suspension bushes should be inspected for cracking or perishing, as these were previously flagged as deteriorating and can lead to instability or poor handling characteristics if they have not been replaced.