2005 Mercedes E 3.2L Diesel · HJ55 LTY

The vehicle presents a mixed picture of roadworthiness. The most recent test on 28 November 2025 at 152,485 miles resulted in a pass, yet the tester still flagged an offside front brake pipe corroded and covered in grease or other material, along with play in the steering rack inner joint. Comparing this to the November 2024 test at 138,311 miles reveals a clear worsening trend. In 2024 the offside front suspension mounting was initially failed for excessive corrosion significantly reducing structural strength, then passed on retest, but the underlying corrosion theme persists. The offside front coil spring has been flagged as corroded in three consecutive tests from 2023 through 2025, indicating a chronic issue that has not been permanently resolved. The maintenance trend is therefore stable to slightly worsening, with recurring corrosion and wear items being managed on a test-by-test basis rather than proactively repaired. The mileage progression tells a story of consistent but modest use. The vehicle recorded 129,216 miles in November 2022, 134,706 miles in November 2023, 138,311 miles in November 2024, and 152,485 miles in November 2025. That final jump of 14,174 miles in a single year is notably higher than the previous annual increments of roughly 5,000 to 5,500 miles. This spike suggests either a change in ownership pattern or increased long-distance use in the most recent year, which may have accelerated wear on components already showing age-related deterioration. The overall annualised average of approximately 7,261 miles remains typical for a 2005 vehicle, but the recent acceleration warrants closer scrutiny of high-mileage wear items. A buyer should prioritise a thorough underbody inspection, focusing on the front suspension mounting points, particularly the offside upper arm area where structural corrosion was previously deemed excessive. The offside front brake pipe requires immediate attention, as corrosion combined with grease masking the true condition suggests deferred maintenance. The offside front coil spring corrosion has persisted across multiple tests and should be examined for section loss or cracking. Both front wheel bearings have shown slight play in past tests, and the steering rack inner joint play flagged in 2025 points to cumulative wear in the steering system. Rear suspension mounting areas have also shown recurring corrosion advisories, so a detailed check of the rear subframe and mounting points is advisable. Tyre condition and pressures have been flagged repeatedly, suggesting the previous keeper may have neglected basic upkeep, which could mask deeper suspension or alignment issues.