2005 Mercedes E 2.1L Diesel · FV55 MDJ

The vehicle shows a consistent history of testing over the last three years, though it exhibits recurring signs of mechanical wear. In the most recent January 2026 test at 129,193 miles, the car passed with advisories for slight play in the nearside and offside front suspension ball joints. This specific issue was also noted during the 2025 test at 127,196 miles. The persistence of this advisory across over 2,000 miles suggests that the suspension components are reaching the end of their functional life and have not been replaced despite repeated warnings. At 21 years old, the mileage of 129,193 miles represents an average of approximately 6,150 miles per year, which is significantly below the national average for a vehicle of this age. This lower usage generally reduces strain on the engine and drivetrain, but the record reveals a failure in January 2025. During that inspection at 127,196 miles, the vehicle failed due to a major front exhaust leak and a defective offside rear position lamp. The fact that these faults were rectified to secure a pass in the subsequent test indicates the owner responds to MOT failures, yet the underlying suspension wear remains an ongoing concern. A buyer should focus their physical inspection on the front end. The repeated advisories for suspension ball joints indicate that the rubber bushings or ball bearings are degrading, which will eventually affect steering precision and safety. Given the age of the Mercedes, a thorough check of the exhaust system for further structural corrosion is also necessary, as the previous major leak suggests the metal may be thinning. While the vehicle is currently roadworthy, the trend in suspension components suggests the car is entering a phase where more frequent preventative maintenance will be required.