2016 Mercedes-Benz E 1.9L Diesel · FP66 AAV

The most recent MOT test on 2026-01-06 resulted in a clean pass, indicating that the vehicle has met all current roadworthiness standards at that time. However, the overall maintenance trend over the past two years is concerning, with a significant failure in December 2025 that highlighted critical issues requiring immediate attention. The failure included a major defect on the offside front coil spring, which is a critical structural component of the suspension system, and a severely worn ball joint on the nearside front suspension arm. These failures suggest either a lack of proactive maintenance or underlying mechanical fatigue that has not been adequately addressed. The subsequent MOT tests in February 2025 and February 2024 were clean, which may imply that some repairs were carried out between the failure and the next inspection, but the history does not reflect a consistent maintenance regime. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 64,254 miles at the time of this assessment represents a moderate annual usage rate of approximately 6,425 miles per year, which is typical for a ten-year-old car. This mileage level does not indicate excessive wear beyond what is expected for its age, but it also does not suggest minimal usage either. The absence of significant mileage gaps—such as long periods of inactivity—could imply that the vehicle has been driven regularly, potentially accelerating wear on consumables like brake pads, tyres, and suspension components. However, the fact that the coil spring failure occurred despite this mileage suggests that other factors, such as poor maintenance practices or underlying structural stress, may have contributed to the failure. The suspension system, in particular, is a high-stress area that can degrade faster if components like coil springs and ball joints are neglected. Given the recent MOT failure and the recurring advisories related to tyre wear and brake disc condition, the prospective buyer should conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle’s suspension and braking systems. Immediately before purchase, check the front suspension for any signs of further coil spring damage, such as sagging, rust, or excessive play in the ball joints, which could indicate continued wear or failure. Listen for unusual noises during a test drive, particularly clunking or rattling from the front suspension, which may suggest loose or worn components. Inspect the front tyres for uneven wear patterns, which could indicate alignment or camber issues, and verify that the edge wear noted in the MOT advisories has not progressed further. Additionally, examine the rear brake discs for consistent wear, pitting, or scoring, and listen for grinding noises when applying the brakes, which could signal worn brake pads or warped discs. If the buyer observes any of these symptoms, further diagnostic work is essential to prevent a recurrence of the suspension failure or a brake-related failure. For the buyer, the next critical maintenance steps should be prioritised based on the vehicle’s history. The most urgent action is to replace the fractured coil spring and the excessively worn ball joint, as these are critical components that affect handling stability and safety. The tyre advisories indicate that the nearside and offside front tyres are worn close to the legal limit, so replacing them promptly is advisable to prevent road hazards and ensure safe handling. The rear brake disc pitting, while not seriously weakened, should be monitored closely, and the buyer should consider replacing the pads if they are significantly worn or if the discs show signs of excessive heat damage. Beyond immediate repairs, the buyer should schedule a comprehensive service to address any remaining fluid degradation, such as the brake fluid, which can become contaminated over time, and ensure that all fluids—including coolant, differential, and transmission fluids—are topped up or replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Given the vehicle’s age and the history of suspension issues, it is also prudent to check the condition of the steering components, including the steering rack and tie rods, for signs of wear or leaks. Finally, the buyer should verify that the vehicle’s service book has been updated, particularly for the suspension and braking systems, to ensure that all maintenance has been recorded and that future servicing can be planned accordingly.