2015 Mercedes-Benz E 2.1L Diesel · GN15 RJO

The most recent MOT history for this Mercedes-Benz E, spanning December 2023 to December 2025, reveals a concerning pattern of repeated failures despite no recorded defects. The vehicle passed its December 2024 test at 297,215 miles but then failed twice in December 2023 and December 2025 at identical mileages (285,576 and 309,930 respectively), suggesting a systemic issue that evaded detection during the intervening pass. The double failure in December 2025—despite identical mileage—implies either a critical component failing intermittently or a tester oversight, though the absence of defect notes makes the latter unlikely. The lack of advisories or recurring fault codes in the passed tests further underscores that whatever issue caused failure was not consistently present during inspections, raising suspicion of either deliberate concealment or a component with unpredictable failure thresholds. The recorded mileage of 309,930 miles over 11 years—approximately 28,175 miles annually—is unusually high for a vehicle of this age, indicating either aggressive use or prolonged periods of neglect. Between December 2023 and December 2024, the vehicle accumulated 11,639 miles, a rate that, while not extreme, suggests consistent driving rather than storage. However, the identical mileage at failure points in December 2023 and December 2025 (285,576 and 309,930 miles respectively) implies the vehicle may have sat unused for extended periods between those tests, potentially exacerbating wear on suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake components. The gap between the 2024 pass and the 2025 failures—12,715 miles—also hints at deferred maintenance, as critical systems were not addressed despite the vehicle remaining roadworthy for nearly a year. Given the repeated failures without defect documentation, a buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the braking system, particularly the rear calipers and discs, as binding brakes are a common cause of MOT failure without explicit fault codes. The suspension should be scrutinised for worn or cracked bushes, corroded coil springs, and uneven tyre wear, which could indicate misalignment or deteriorated shock absorbers. Structural integrity is another critical area; high mileage and potential periods of inactivity may have accelerated corrosion in the subframe, sills, or wheel arches. Additionally, the exhaust system should be checked for leaks or excessive rust, as emissions-related failures often lack detailed defect notes. The absence of advisories in passed tests does not guarantee these components are sound, so visual and functional checks are essential.