2009 Mercedes E 3.0L Diesel · FV58 OEF

The vehicle presents a mixed maintenance picture. The most recent test on 26 April 2024 at 127,306 miles passed, but the record reveals a recurring pattern of corrosion and braking issues that suggests inconsistent preventative maintenance rather than a stable or improving trend. The tester flagged corroded front brake pipes covered in grease or other material at both the January 2023 and April 2024 tests, indicating this defect was either masked rather than properly repaired or that corrosion has returned rapidly after a superficial fix. The April 2024 pass came only seven days after a failure on 19 April 2024 at 127,257 miles, where the tester also identified excessively binding rear service brakes alongside the same corroded front brake pipe advisory. This pattern of failing and passing within a week suggests the previous owner addressed immediate failure points without resolving underlying deterioration. The mileage accumulation of roughly 7,489 miles per year over seventeen years is typical for an E-Class of this generation and does not raise immediate concern. However, the gap between the November 2021 pass at 119,842 miles and the January 2023 failure at 123,331 miles covers over a year with only 3,489 miles added, which could indicate a period of light use or extended standing. The subsequent jump to 127,306 miles by April 2024 represents nearly 4,000 miles in approximately fifteen months, a modest increase. The MOT record itself is relatively sparse for a vehicle of this age, with only five tests documented, which limits the ability to track long-term wear patterns with confidence. A buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the braking system. The repeated identification of corroded front brake pipes, particularly the note that they were covered in grease or other material, raises the possibility that corrosion was concealed with grease rather than the pipes being replaced. Excessively binding rear brakes appeared in both the January 2023 and April 2024 failures, pointing to potential issues with rear calipers, handbrake mechanisms, or brake hose restriction. The tester also noted undertrays and covers preventing full inspection at the November 2021 test, so any in-person inspection should include removal of these covers to examine the subframe, sills, and suspension mounting points for corrosion. The January 2023 failure recorded a structural bulge in the nearside front tyre, which indicates the previous owner was not monitoring tyre condition between tests. Front suspension components, including lower arm bushes and drop link joints, deserve close attention given the mileage and the fluctuating front brake readings recorded in January 2023, which can point to uneven disc wear or worn hub assemblies.