1989 Mercedes 811D 4.0L Diesel · G869 TCN

The 1989 Mercedes 811D is presently roadworthy only on a provisional basis, having passed the May 2024 MOT at 536,325 miles while the preceding August 2023 test at 536,322 miles recorded a failure due to severe near‑side front chassis corrosion and rear brake imbalance. The maintenance record shows a worsening trend, with structural rust intensifying between 2022 and 2023 and recurring brake and suspension faults persisting into the latest test. Mileage has climbed from 468,411 miles in March 2013 to 536,325 miles in May 2024, averaging roughly 14,500 miles per year; the interval between the August 2023 and May 2024 readings shows a negligible 3‑mile increase, indicating the vehicle has been largely idle in the past year, yet the high cumulative mileage for its age suggests accelerated wear on mechanical components. A buyer should therefore inspect the near‑side front chassis and off‑side front integral body structure for corrosion that may have reduced structural rigidity, test the rear brake balance and examine the front calipers for binding, check suspension bushes, anti‑roll bar pins and drag‑link ball joints for excessive wear, verify power‑steering operation and steering box free play, and assess tyre tread depth and the condition of the windscreen washer system.