2016 Mercedes-Benz E 2.1L Diesel · FL02 ADE

This vehicle’s roadworthiness record shows a clear trend of worsening maintenance issues over the past four years, despite passing all MOT tests. The most recent inspection in May 2025 at 67,823 miles revealed no defects, but the preceding tests highlight persistent and recurring problems—particularly with rear brake discs, binding brakes, and tyre wear. The absence of advisories or major structural failures in the latest test suggests the vehicle remains drivable, but the history indicates neglect of critical components, with no evidence of proactive repairs beyond minimum legal compliance. The mileage progression of roughly 6,782 miles annually aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age, though the gaps between tests—most notably a 12-month interval between March 2024 and May 2025—raise questions about whether intermediate servicing was performed. The earlier tests, spaced 11–12 months apart, show no sudden spikes in mileage, but the consistent wear patterns suggest the vehicle has been in regular use without intervening maintenance. The lack of a pre-MOT service record further implies the owner relied solely on the MOT to identify failures, a risky approach given the vehicle’s age. A buyer should prioritise an immediate inspection of the rear brake system, given the repeated advisories for binding brakes and worn, pitted discs in 2023 and 2024. The corrosion on the offside front brake pipe and the grease contamination under the plastic coating warrant closer examination for fluid leaks or compromised seals. Tyre condition remains a concern, with near-legal tread depths recorded on multiple occasions; this could indicate underinflation or misalignment issues. Suspension bushes and coil springs should also be checked for wear, as binding brakes often correlate with stiff or seized components in the rear axle. Structural corrosion, particularly around wheel arches and sills, should be visually inspected, though the MOT history does not flag any rust-related failures.