2002 Mercedes ML 2.7L Diesel · JA51 EHS

The most recent MOT on 26 June 2026 was passed, but it carried four advisories – a non‑excessive oil leak, missing front wheel‑arch guards on both sides, and wear on the off‑side front anti‑roll bar pin or bush. Over the last six years the vehicle has consistently passed its MOT, yet the same oil‑leak advisory has appeared each year and the anti‑roll bar bush wear has been flagged repeatedly, while new items such as front ball‑joint play and deteriorating registration plate have been added. This pattern indicates a generally stable maintenance record in terms of safety compliance, but a gradual accumulation of wear‑related issues that have not yet reached a failure threshold. At 156 660 mi the ML averages roughly 6 500 mi per annum, which is typical for a 24‑year‑old saloon and suggests no periods of extreme short‑term mileage spikes or prolonged storage. The mileage is sufficient to have consumed the original wear life of many consumables – tyre tread, suspension bushings, brake pads and discs, and engine oil seals – but it is not excessive for the age, meaning the vehicle’s overall wear is more a function of calendar ageing than high‑kilometre abuse. Prospective owners should therefore expect age‑related degradation of rubber components and corrosion‑prone parts rather than premature failure from mileage alone. When inspecting the car, pay particular attention to the source of the oil leak noted in every MOT. Look for fresh oil stains around the valve‑cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and the front and rear main seals; verify that the oil level is correct and that there are no signs of oil on the exhaust or under the chassis that could indicate a more serious breach. Examine the front anti‑roll bar bushings and the off‑side anti‑roll bar pin for looseness or cracked rubber; a clunk or excessive body roll when cornering would confirm progressive wear. The near‑side front track‑rod end and off‑side steering tie‑rod end have been reported with slight play – test for any looseness by applying a firm push on the front wheels while the vehicle is stationary; any perceptible movement or a vague knocking noise over bumps points to impending joint replacement. Missing front wheel‑arch guards should be fitted to prevent road debris and water ingress that can accelerate rust on the wheel wells and suspension arms. Given the vehicle’s age, a thorough visual and tactile survey of time‑sensitive items is essential. Check all four tyres for sidewall cracking, dry rot or age‑related hardening, even if the tread depth appears adequate, as tyre rubber can deteriorate after six years regardless of mileage. Inspect the battery terminals for corrosion and assess the charge with a load tester; a 24‑year‑old battery is likely nearing the end of its service life. Examine the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or glazing, and ensure the calipers move freely without binding – a common issue on cars that have spent extended periods idle. Verify that coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid have been replaced at regular intervals, as these fluids degrade with time and can cause corrosion or reduced performance. Finally, confirm that the service book shows regular oil changes, timing‑chain inspections (the ML uses a timing chain), and that any recommended suspension or steering component replacements have been carried out, as these will be the most likely areas requiring attention in the near future.