2011 Mercedes-Benz E 3.0L Diesel · HV61 WKS

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a pattern of reactive repairs rather than preventative care. While the most recent test in July 2025 at 78,292 miles showed a pass, the recurring failure of front suspension torque arm bushes appears in every annual record since at least 2022. This persistent issue indicates that suspension components are being ignored until they reach a state of significant deterioration, suggesting the owner only addresses faults when necessary to pass the MOT test. At 15 years old, the recorded mileage of 78,292 miles is significantly low, averaging approximately 5,200 miles per year. The data shows consistent usage, with roughly 5,000 miles driven between the 2023 and 2024 tests, and another 4,000 miles between August 2024 and July 2025. This low mileage often correlates with the degradation of rubber-based components, which is consistent with the frequent deterioration of bushes and hydraulic pipes noted throughout the history. A buyer must prioritise inspecting the front suspension assembly thoroughly, as the torque arm bushes and anti-roll bar linkages have proven repeated failure points. The 2024 failure involving a fractured nearside rear coil spring and the previous corrosion on rear brake pipes suggest the underbody components are susceptible to environmental wear. Furthermore, the report of a front hydraulic power steering leak in 2023 requires a close inspection of the steering rack and hoses to ensure the leak has not returned or worsened. Tyre and brake maintenance also shows a clear trend of neglect, with multiple MOT entries flagging tyres worn to the legal limit or bald on the edges. This uneven wear often points to alignment issues or worn shock absorbers that have not been addressed. Given the history of pitted rear brake discs and corroded piping, the buyer should verify the current thickness of the brake pads and the integrity of the brake lines to ensure no immediate safety expenses are required.