2008 Mercedes-Benz E 2.1L Diesel · FH08 AEG

The MOT history for this 2008 Mercedes-Benz E reveals a concerning trend of escalating mechanical wear and deferred maintenance. In the most recent test in December 2025 at 176,791 miles, the vehicle passed but carried multiple advisories related to critical braking and steering components. The tester identified corrosion on all four front brake pipes, some obscured by grease, alongside thin brake pads and pitted, scored discs. Furthermore, the steering rack showed play in both inner joints and a slight defect in the offside front ball joint. These recurring issues suggest that while the vehicle is currently roadworthy, components are reaching the end of their life. The vehicle has aged at a consistent rate of approximately 10,000 miles per year, which is typical for its age. However, there is a significant gap in records between October 2016 and 2023, during which the car covered over 90,000 miles. Since the records resumed, the quality of upkeep appears to fluctuate. In the December 2024 test at 171,479 miles, it failed due to a defective parking brake and an excessively worn nearside front ball joint. Although the parking brake was rectified for the subsequent pass, the underlying steering and brake pipe corrosion persisted or worsened into the 2025 inspection. A prospective buyer should exercise extreme caution regarding the front suspension and braking system. The persistence of play in the steering rack inner joints and ball joints indicates significant mechanical wear that will likely affect handling and safety. The extensive corrosion on the brake pipes, particularly where covered in grease, may mask deeper thinning of the metal that could lead to sudden failure. Given the history of failures related to suspension components and the current state of the brakes, this vehicle likely requires immediate and significant investment to maintain a reliable condition. A thorough inspection of the chassis for structural integrity is also essential before any purchase.