2018 Mercedes-Benz E 1.9L Diesel · FD18 MVH

The Mercedes-Benz E-class in question presents a clean MOT history, with no defects recorded across all five tests since 2022. The most recent entries—both from May 2025 at 52,251 miles—are unusual in that one was a pass and the other a fail, yet neither carried any advisories or faults. This suggests the vehicle met all legal thresholds for roadworthiness at the time, though the duplicate test dates may indicate an administrative oversight or a late resubmission. The absence of recurring advisories or failures points to a stable maintenance trend, with no signs of worsening mechanical or structural issues. That said, the lack of any recorded defects over nearly three years of testing is atypical for a vehicle of this age and mileage, raising a question mark over whether minor wear items—such as suspension bushes, brake fluid condition, or tyre tread—were addressed outside of MOT requirements. The mileage accumulation is consistent with light-to-moderate use, averaging around 6,500 miles per year over its eight-year lifespan. From the 2022 test at 27,143 miles to the 2025 test at 52,251 miles, the vehicle covered roughly 25,000 miles in just over three years, which aligns with typical urban or commuter usage. There are no red flags in the mileage pattern—no sudden spikes that might suggest neglect or rapid deterioration, nor are there prolonged gaps that could imply long-term storage. The most recent test, however, occurred only two months ago, meaning the vehicle has not been through an MOT in over a year since the 2025 resubmission. While this is within the legal window, it means the next test is imminent, and any deferred repairs or minor wear will need addressing before the next inspection. Given the absence of advisories or defects in the MOT history, a prospective buyer should still conduct a thorough pre-purchase inspection, focusing on components not routinely checked under the MOT. Pay particular attention to the suspension—specifically the condition of coil springs, anti-roll bars, and rubber bushes—since these are not always scrutinised unless visibly worn or damaged. The braking system, including caliper condition, brake fluid quality, and disc thickness, should be checked, even though no binding or excessive wear was noted in the MOTs. Structural integrity is another key area; while no corrosion or frame damage was recorded, hidden rust in wheel arches, sills, or underbody panels can develop over time, particularly in a Mercedes-Benz where corrosion resistance varies by model year. Finally, verify that all fluid levels—oil, coolant, and brake fluid—are up to specification, as these are not part of the MOT test but critical to long-term reliability.