2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 2.1L Diesel · GX12 MFF

The vehicle presents a worsening maintenance trend regarding suspension and consumable components. While the 2025-08-13 test at 111,469 miles resulted in a pass, the tester flagged several deteriorating items including worn tyres on both rear axles, thinning rear brake pads, and a non-functional offside front daytime running lamp. The recurring presence of anti-roll bar defects suggests that the suspension system is entering a phase of increased wear that requires attention. The mileage accumulation is consistent with a vehicle of this age, averaging approximately 7,962 miles per year. The record shows steady usage, moving from 89,641 miles in May 2023 to 111,469 miles by August 2025. This represents a jump of over 21,000 miles in roughly two years, which is a noticeable increase in annual usage compared to the earlier years of the vehicle's life. The data is continuous, though the gap between the April 2022 and November 2020 tests indicates a period of less frequent inspection. A prospective buyer should prioritize a thorough inspection of the front suspension assembly. The MOT history shows a persistent pattern of wear in the anti-roll bar linkages, with ball joint play and worn bushes appearing in the 2023, 2024, and 2025 tests. This indicates that while individual components may have been replaced, the surrounding suspension geometry or related bushings are likely reaching the end of their service life. Immediate attention should also be given to the braking system and tyres. The 2025 test identified thinning rear brake pads and tyres worn close to the legal limit on both rear corners, suggesting that basic maintenance of consumables is being deferred. The history of windscreen damage and wiper defects also points to a pattern of neglecting minor external upkeep. Checking the condition of the rear prop shaft coupling, which was flagged as splitting in 2016, would be a prudent measure to ensure no long-term structural degradation has occurred.