1988 Mercedes 811D 4.0L Diesel · E355 XUD

The roadworthiness of this vehicle is currently questionable due to a trend of worsening structural integrity. While the vehicle passed its last MOT in October 2023 at 382,630 miles, this success followed a catastrophic failure just one month prior. The September 2023 test identified excessive corrosion on the cab and chassis near the mounting steps and seriously weakened rear outer sub-frames. These are structural defects that indicate the vehicle's primary frame is reaching a state of advanced decay, despite the subsequent pass after repairs. The mileage record of 382,630 miles over 38 years reflects a consistent usage pattern of approximately 10,000 miles per year. However, the data shows a significant gap in testing between January 2022 and January 2023, where the vehicle covered 14,419 miles. Since the most recent test in October 2023, there is no recorded data for nearly three years. Given the current date of June 2026, the vehicle is two years overdue for an MOT, significantly increasing the risk that undetected mechanical failure or further corrosion has gone unchecked. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the chassis and sub-frame areas flagged in the 2023 failure. The reported corrosion on the cab mounting steps and sub-frames is a critical concern that often progresses rapidly once identified. The braking system also shows a history of neglect, with leaking hydraulic pipes, inoperative parking brakes, and significant axle imbalance recorded between 2022 and 2023. The anti-roll bar linkages and leaf spring bushes have been noted as worn across multiple tests, suggesting the suspension components are nearing the end of their functional life.