2007 Mercedes E 2.1L Diesel · G13 DAS

The most recent MOT inspection on 24 August 2026 resulted in a pass, but the vehicle's maintenance trend suggests a period of increasing mechanical attention required. While the vehicle passed, the immediate history shows a failure just four days prior due to significant issues including structural tyre damage and an insecure exhaust system. The recurring nature of brake pad advisories over several years, combined with recent failures, indicates that while the vehicle is being maintained enough to pass, it is approaching a phase where several consumable components require simultaneous replacement. The transition from a clean 2023 record to multiple advisories and a failure in 2024 and 2025 suggests a gradual decline in preventative maintenance. With 181,825 miles recorded over approximately 19 years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 9,570 miles per year. This represents typical, steady usage for a premium executive saloon of this age and suggests the vehicle has not been subjected to extreme high-mileage motorway transit nor has it suffered from the detrimental effects of prolonged periods of standing. However, at this mileage and age, the mechanical components are well into their service lives. You should expect higher rates of wear on rubber-to-metal components, such as suspension bushes and engine mounts, and the overall integrity of the drivetrain will depend heavily on the consistency of the service history rather than just the mileage itself. A primary area of concern is the braking system and tyre health. The MOT history shows a persistent pattern of rear brake pads wearing thin, which has been an advisory for several years. During your test drive, listen for any squealing or grinding noises from the rear of the car and check for any uneven braking or pulling when applying the pedal. The recent failure regarding cuts in the rear tyre sidewalls reaching the cords is a serious safety concern; ensure that all four tyres have been replaced recently and inspect the sidewalls for any bulges, cracks, or embedded objects. Furthermore, the previous failure regarding an insecure central rear exhaust system means you must verify that the exhaust hangers and mounting points are secure and that there are no excessive vibrations or loud droning noises emanating from the underside of the vehicle at idle or under acceleration. Regarding the suspension, the records indicate a history of worn front lower suspension arm bushes and shock absorber bushes. Although these were often listed as advisories rather than failures, they can significantly impact handling and ride quality. On your test drive, pay close attention to the steering response and listen for any clunking or knocking sounds when driving over speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, as this would indicate that the bushes or coil springs have deteriorated further. Given the vehicle's age, you should also inspect the underbody for significant corrosion, particularly on the chassis and suspension mounting points, and check that the brake discs do not show excessive pitting or heavy corrosion, which can lead to binding calipers.