1996 Mercedes 190 E 2.5L Petrol · G985 FPU

The most recent MOT on 2023-12-05 showed the vehicle passed with no defects recorded, suggesting a temporary improvement in condition. However, the history reveals recurring issues with the offside front brake pipe, which was noted as corroded and covered in grease or material in 2019-04-01, 2020-03-25, and 2019-03-29. These repeated defects indicate a persistent problem that may not have been fully resolved. A critical failure in 2019-03-29 included a fractured offside front coil spring, a serious safety risk that would require immediate repair. While no such defect appeared in later MOTs, the absence of records does not confirm resolution. The brake pipe corrosion and coil spring issue point to potential neglect or ongoing exposure to corrosive elements, which could worsen over time. The vehicle’s mileage of 52,801 miles over 30 years equates to roughly 1,760 miles annually—a low figure that may reflect infrequent use or periods of inactivity. While lower mileage often correlates with less wear on components like brakes and suspension, it can also lead to issues such as fluid degradation, battery drain, or rubber component hardening. The lack of higher-mileage wear patterns makes it harder to assess long-term reliability. The trend since 2018 shows mixed results: a 2018 MOT passed with no defects, followed by a 2019 failure due to multiple critical issues, then partial resolution by 2020 and 2023.