2009 Mercedes-Benz E 3.0L Diesel · FV09 NJN

The most recent MOT on 10 July 2026 was passed, but it carried repeat advisories for corrosion on both front brake pipes and a similar advisory from the previous three years. Earlier tests also flagged front brake disc surface wear, a small oil seepage, tyre edge wear on the nearside front wheel and a one‑off central stop‑lamp fault. The pattern shows a maintenance picture that is broadly stable – the vehicle continues to meet the legal standards – yet the recurrence of brake‑pipe corrosion, disc wear and tyre edge deterioration indicates that the underlying issues are not being fully resolved and are gradually worsening rather than improving. At 136,372 mi recorded in September 2026 the car averages just over 8 000 mi per year, which sits comfortably within the typical usage range for a 2009 model. There are no obvious periods of extreme mileage accumulation that would suggest abusive driving, nor are there large gaps that might hint at long periods of storage. The mileage level is consistent with moderate wear on consumables such as tyres, brakes and suspension components, and it suggests that the drivetrain and engine have not been subjected to high‑stress, high‑speed operation. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the front brake system. Corroded brake pipes can lead to reduced hydraulic pressure, spongy pedal feel or, in the worst case, a loss of braking efficiency, especially after the vehicle has been standing for a while or when exposed to road salt. Inspect the pipe interiors for rust and check that the fittings are free of grease or debris; a mechanic should consider a complete pipe replacement and a brake fluid flush. The front discs were noted as pitted and scored in 2024 – while not yet a failure, this wear can cause brake shudder, increased stopping distances and uneven pad wear, so a visual inspection for deep scoring and a measurement of disc thickness are advisable, with replacement likely required within the next 5 000–10 000 mi. The recurring front‑tyre edge wear points to possible mis‑alignment, worn suspension bushes or uneven camber; a professional wheel‑alignment check and a thorough examination of the front wishbones, ball joints and bushings should be performed, and the front tyres should be replaced if the tread depth is approaching the legal limit or if sidewall cracking is evident. Beyond the brake concerns, the small oil leak reported in 2023 and 2024 should be traced – even a minor seep can lead to oil‑soaked brake components or fire risk if it reaches hot parts. Verify that the leak is not from a cracked valve cover gasket or a deteriorated oil filter housing, and ensure the oil level is correct and the oil is fresh. The central stop‑lamp fault from 2025, although minor, indicates that the lighting circuit may have intermittent faults; confirm that all indicator and stop lights operate correctly. The 2022 failure for the wiper blades and the engine MIL indicator suggests that the electronic diagnostics system may have been neglected; a full OBD scan is recommended to confirm that no latent fault codes remain. Finally, given the vehicle’s age, inspect the battery terminals for corrosion, test the battery’s cranking voltage, examine the suspension for any cracked rubber bushings or leaking shock absorbers, and check the condition of the tyre sidewalls for age‑related cracking, as tyres can deteriorate even with low mileage when they sit for long periods. A complete fluid service – coolant, brake fluid, gearbox oil and power‑steering fluid – should be carried out if the service stamps are not recent, ensuring that time‑based degradation does not compromise reliability.