2010 Mercedes-Benz E 3.0L Diesel · FW10 AVD

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a pattern of reactive rather than proactive upkeep. While the car passed its most recent test in November 2024 at 143,998 miles, this followed a significant failure just one day prior where multiple mechanical faults were identified. The trend shows a recurring struggle with wear components, particularly in the suspension and braking systems, which are frequently flagged across the last five years of testing, suggesting that repairs are only addressed once they reach the point of MOT test failure. At 143,998 miles over a 16-year lifespan, the car averages approximately 9,000 miles per year, which is consistent with typical usage for its age. However, there is a notable gap in records between 2014 and 2016, after which the vehicle covered over 25,000 miles. Since 2019, the mileage accumulation has remained steady, with roughly 9,000 to 15,000 miles added annually. This consistent use explains the gradual degradation of the age-related rubber components and metalwork. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension and braking assembly. The record shows repeated issues with lower arm ball joints and worn bushes, along with an offside front wheel bearing that showed excessive play in late 2024. There is also a persistent history of corrosion on the brake pipes noted in 2019, 2020, and 2022, which necessitates a check for structural integrity of the lines to prevent sudden failure. Additionally, the corrosion on the offside rear coil spring noted in 2024 should be verified to ensure the rust has not progressed to the point of structural snapping.