2004 Mercedes E 3.2L Diesel · HT04 YXS

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a concerning shift toward mechanical degradation and deferred repairs. While it passed the November 2025 test at 245,164 miles, the failure just one month prior at 244,939 miles reveals significant underlying issues. The tester flagged excessive oil leaks from both the engine and transmission alongside critical failures in the front lower suspension ball joints, suggesting the vehicle is now reaching a stage where high-wear components are failing in quick succession. At 245,164 miles over 22 years, the car maintains an average of approximately 11,144 miles per year, which is consistent with long-term motorway use. However, the data shows a significant spike in usage between October 2024 and October 2025, where the vehicle covered over 27,000 miles in a single year. This rapid mileage accumulation has placed accelerated stress on the aging drivetrain and suspension, evidenced by the transition from minor worn bushes in 2022 to excessive leaks and failures recently. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the front suspension geometry, as the history shows a recurring pattern of worn ball joints and corroded control arms dating back to 2022. The 2025 note that the parking brake efficiency only just met the requirement indicates the mechanical mechanism or cables likely need immediate attention before they fail. Furthermore, the excessive oil leaks reported in the October 2025 failure require a professional assessment to ensure they are not merely seals that could lead to catastrophic engine failure.