2011 Mercedes-Benz E 3.0L Diesel · EU11 TXK

The vehicle remains roadworthy as of its most recent MOT on 2025-08-09, with a minor suspension fault noted — slight play in the nearside front lower arm ball joint — which was not severe enough to fail the test. The maintenance trend shows a slight improvement since the 2022 failure, where the same joint was excessively worn, indicating the previous owner either replaced or adjusted the component before the 2024 test. Since then, no structural or safety-critical defects have been recorded, suggesting the car has been kept in reasonable mechanical condition despite its age. The mileage history reveals a low annual average of approximately 4,590 miles over 15 years, which is unusually conservative for a 2011 model. The jump from 54,618 miles in 2023 to 57,912 miles in 2024, then to 68,850 miles in 2025, suggests the vehicle was driven more heavily in the last 18 months. The 2022 test at 81,569 miles was the highest recorded mileage, and the fact that the same vehicle was tested again at 57,912 miles just 14 months later implies either a reset or a significant drop in usage — possibly due to storage or infrequent use. This pattern raises questions about whether the car was regularly maintained during periods of low mileage. Buyers should inspect the front suspension system closely, particularly the nearside lower arm ball joint and associated bushes, as this component has been flagged twice in MOTs and may be prone to further wear. The front brake discs were noted as pitted in 2024, which, while not critical, suggests they may be nearing the end of their service life and should be measured for thickness. The absence of structural corrosion or exhaust emissions issues in the records is reassuring, but a full visual inspection of the underbody and wheel arches is still advised, especially given the age and potential for hidden rust in older Mercedes models. The brake calipers and suspension arms should also be checked for binding or excessive play during a test drive. Overall, the car’s MOT history indicates a generally well-maintained machine with a few recurring mechanical concerns that have been addressed between tests. The low mileage suggests it may have been stored or driven sparingly for much of its life, which can preserve mechanical integrity but also risk degradation of fluids, seals, and rubber components. A pre-purchase inspection should focus on the front suspension, brakes, and any signs of moisture or corrosion in the wheel wells or chassis rails.