2015 Mercedes-Benz E 3.0L Diesel · G18 KAN

The vehicle's most recent MOT test on 30 April 2026 resulted in a pass, although three advisories were recorded which warrant careful attention. One of these advisories, concerning an offside front lower suspension arm pin or bush, was actually issued as an advisory on the immediately preceding test on 29 April 2026, where the same vehicle failed on major defects relating to both front anti-roll bar linkage ball joints being excessively worn. The fact that the vehicle passed the following day indicates that those anti-roll bar components were replaced, but the persistence of the suspension arm bush advisory suggests this area has not yet been fully addressed. Looking at the broader pattern, the 2024 test history reveals a notably poor outcome including dangerous defects for both front tyres being below the legal tread limit and an offside front wheel bearing with excessive play impairing directional control, alongside a major defect for an insecure steering drag link end ball joint dust cover and an inoperative engine management indicator lamp. Compared with that 2024 result, the 2025 and 2026 outcomes show an improving but still imperfect trend, with the owner clearly investing in repairs to address immediate safety concerns yet allowing some advisories to carry over between tests. The recorded mileage of 109,007 miles over an eleven-year period equates to approximately 9,910 miles per annum, which sits broadly within typical expectations for a luxury saloon of this age and class. There are, however, some notable gaps and inconsistencies within the MOT record itself. There is no recorded test between November 2019 and April 2022, a span of roughly two and a half years, which on a vehicle of this vintage is unusual and suggests either a period where the vehicle was not used on public roads, perhaps off the road notified, or simply that mileage accumulation was negligible during that interval. The relatively rapid transition from the November 2019 pass to the April 2022 test with no intermediate records is worth clarifying with the seller, as continuous annual testing is expected for vehicles over three years old. From 2022 onwards the mileage appears to have accumulated steadily, with annual tests recorded each year through to 2026, and the wear-related defects observed align logically with a vehicle that is being used regularly rather than standing idle. For a prospective buyer, the recurring advisory concerning the front and rear brake discs being pitted or scored is particularly significant, as this defect has now appeared on three consecutive tests from 2022 through 2026. Pitting of brake discs on a Mercedes-Benz of this age typically indicates that the discs have reached a stage where they are unlikely to recover through further use and will require machining or replacement, especially if the corresponding brake pads have also worn. On a test drive, listen for any brake shudder or vibration through the steering wheel under firm braking, and check that the vehicle pulls up squarely without veering to one side. The suspension and steering components flagged over the past two years deserve equally close attention. The persistent offside front lower suspension arm bush wear, combined with the recent replacement of both front anti-roll bar linkages and the 2024 issue with the front drag link end ball joint dust cover, suggests the front suspension and steering assembly has been subject to progressive wear. On test, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end when traversing speed humps or uneven surfaces, and feel for any vagueness or wandering in the steering, particularly over mid-corner bumps which would indicate worn bushes or loose joints. Beyond the recorded defects, the engine management MIL being inoperative or indicating a malfunction in 2024 should not be overlooked, as this could reflect either a cleared fault code without proper diagnosis, a failed bulb, or an underlying emissions or sensor issue that was not fully resolved. Ask the seller for evidence of diagnostic work carried out and whether any fault codes were retrieved. Given the vehicle's age of eleven years and its mileage, even areas not flagged on recent MOTs merit thorough physical inspection. Check the condition and age of all tyres, including sidewall perishing and cracking which is common on vehicles kept outside, regardless of tread depth. Examine the exhaust system for corrosion at mounting points and joints, which is a frequent failure item on E-Class vehicles of this generation. Inspect the engine bay and undertray for any signs of oil leakage from the sump, valve cover gasket, or turbocharger oil lines if fitted. Verify that the service history includes timely replacement of brake fluid, coolant, and automatic transmission fluid at their calendar-based intervals irrespective of mileage, as Mercedes-Benz specifies fluid changes by time as well as distance. Finally, confirm that the 12V battery is in healthy condition, as a tired battery on this model can produce a range of seemingly unrelated electrical faults and is a common reason for warning lights appearing on the dashboard.