2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 Bluef-CY Sport CDI A 3.0L Heavy oil · DK60 CON

A mixed MOT record, punctuated by two failures in 2018 and 2019 that were logged without any specific defect, frames the mechanical narrative of this 2010 Mercedes‑Benz E350. The most recent successful test on 10 August 2022 shows the vehicle cleared the statutory checks, but the earlier unexplained failures indicate that at some point the car did not meet the minimum standards, even though the DVSA did not record a concrete fault. This pattern suggests an intermittent issue—perhaps a temporary registration lapse or a minor non‑conformity that was rectified before the next test—rather than a persistent mechanical weakness. At 123,979 mi the mileage averages roughly 7,750 mi per year, which sits comfortably within normal usage for a sixteen‑year‑old executive sedan. The MOT chronology reveals a three‑year gap between the 2018‑09‑26 pass and the 2022‑08‑10 pass, with no recorded tests for 2020 and 2021; such a hiatus could point to periods of reduced use or the vehicle being off the road, though the mileage progression does not suggest any sudden surge in distance. Consistent annual wear would be expected on consumables such as brake pads, tyre tread, and suspension components, while the relatively moderate mileage reduces the likelihood of extreme drivetrain fatigue. Given the absence of recorded component failures, a prospective buyer should still scrutinise the areas most prone to wear on a vehicle of this age and class. On a test drive, listen for any clunking or knocking over bumps that could reveal deteriorated front suspension bushes or worn ball joints, and feel for steering pull or vibration that might indicate loose steering rack mounts or tyre imbalance. Apply the brakes firmly at varying speeds; any pulsation, sponginess, or uneven bite could signal disc thinning, warped rotors, or caliper sticking, even though none were flagged in the MOT. Inspect the exhaust system for rusted muffler shells or cracked pipes, and check under the bonnet for any oil seepage around the valve cover, oil pan, or turbocharger housing, as oil misting often appears only after a few miles of operation. A thorough pre‑purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is advisable to confirm the condition of the chassis, suspension, braking system, and drivetrain, and to verify that any latent corrosion—particularly around wheel arches and undercarriage—has not progressed since the last MOT. Requesting a full service history, if available, will help correlate the recorded mileage with documented maintenance, but the buyer should base the final decision on the physical state of the vehicle rather than the MOT entries alone.