2016 Mercedes-Benz C 2.1L Diesel · FX66 NOF

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C presents a mixed roadworthiness picture marked by persistent minor advisories rather than outright failures across its ten-year history. The most recent MOT conducted on 2026-05-11 confirmed continued presence of two key issues: front inner brake disc wear on one side and rear tyres approaching legal limits while exhibiting edge wear on both sides. These findings join earlier advisories including near-side front tyre wear in 2025 and a slightly loose offside front track rod end ball joint in the same year. Rather than a single catastrophic problem, the record reveals a pattern of recurring minor defects that have been managed through successive successful tests up to September 2026, suggesting the vehicle remains roadworthy but requires attention to the specific components flagged throughout its service history. At 141,191 miles on its 2016 model year, the vehicle accumulates approximately 14,120 miles annually—a rate considerably higher than typical for a decade-old car and indicative of either frequent driving or extended periods of idling followed by sudden testing intervals. The gap between the 2020 and 2021 MOTs shows only a brief six-month interval with no intermediate test, yet both years recorded zero defects, suggesting the vehicle may have accumulated substantial mileage between tests without triggering new warnings. The 2022 through 2026 window demonstrates consistent annual passing marks despite the recurring advisories, but the persistent rear tyre wear and track rod end play point to ongoing mechanical stress that would likely accelerate normal component degradation given the elevated mileage figure. Focused on the advised components, the front inner brake disc shows wear that should be monitored for potential pad contact and heat build-up during hard braking, particularly on descents where the disc bears disproportionate load. The rear tyres exhibiting edge wear on both sides indicate possible alignment drift or uneven wear from loading patterns; during a test drive, listen for vibrations or pulling sensations through the rear suspension that might signal developing camber issues or worn tyre side-walls requiring replacement soon. The offside front track rod end ball joint with slight play manifests as a noticeable steering play or knobbed movement when turning, and this should be checked for looseness at each corner of the steering wheel—excessive play here can cause handling instability and premature bush wear. Additionally, the 2020 report noted rear brake pads were wearing thin, so inspecting for pad thickness and rotor scoring is prudent regardless of current tread depth readings. A practical approach for the prospective buyer involves verifying the physical condition of the front inner brake disc for smooth rotation and even surface texture, confirming that the rear tyres maintain balanced pressure and uniform tread wear across the entire contact patch, and performing a thorough visual and tactile inspection of the front track rod end ball joint for any visible play or looseness when rotating the steering wheel. Given the high cumulative mileage of 141,191 miles, it is also wise to examine the engine covers and under-tray fittings for signs of leakage or vibration, though the 2020 MOT did note their installation, indicating prior addressing of a known issue. Finally, the combined history of rear tyre edge wear and track rod end play suggests that suspension geometry should be rechecked, and if the vehicle has sat idle for extended periods since its last service, a full chassis inspection for hidden rust or fatigue in the subframe structure would provide additional confidence before committing to purchase.