2009 Mercedes-Benz C 2.1L Diesel · HY59 VKC

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz C passed its most recent MOT on 2025-04-28 at 68,430 miles, though the maintenance trend presents a mixed picture of resolving immediate failures against persistent structural concerns. Five days prior, the vehicle failed with critical defects including an inoperative engine MIL, an SRS warning lamp, a failed offside headlamp, and severely worn rear tyres, alongside corrosion on the front and rear. The subsequent pass indicates these specific safety-critical items were addressed, yet the tester still flagged the rear tyres for edge wear and ongoing front and rear rust. Recurring electrical faults, specifically the SRS and engine MIL lamps appearing again in 2025 after a similar occurrence in 2021, suggest underlying intermittent issues rather than permanent repairs. The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the pattern of failing on basic electrical and lighting components before passing hints at a reactive rather than preventative maintenance approach. The mileage profile indicates exceptionally low utilisation for a 17-year-old vehicle, averaging just over 4,000 miles annually, but a dramatic drop-off in recent years points to prolonged stationary periods. Between September 2020 at 64,999 miles and December 2021 at 67,951 miles, the car covered nearly 3,000 miles. However, from December 2021 at 67,951 miles to April 2025 at 68,430 miles, the vehicle accumulated a mere 479 miles over more than three years. Extended periods of inactivity accelerate deterioration of rubber components, brake surfaces, and tyres, which aligns with the recurring advisories for corroded brake pipes, degraded wiper blades, and uneven tyre wear seen throughout the record. A prospective buyer must thoroughly inspect the vehicle's structural integrity, given the repeated corrosion advisories. The 2025-04-28 test explicitly cited front and rear rust, a serious concern that warrants close examination of the subframes, sills, and brake lines, particularly as corroded brake pipes were flagged back in 2021. Uneven rear tyre wear, noted as recently as April 2025, points to potential suspension misalignment or worn bushes, which should be checked on a ramp. The recurring SRS and engine management light faults demand a full diagnostic scan to determine whether these are intermittent glitches or persistent electrical defects. The heavily worn and pitted brake discs flagged in 2020, combined with the standing time, suggest the braking system likely suffers from surface corrosion and uneven pad transfer.