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2012 Mercedes-Benz E 3.0L Diesel · JJ61 HOL

JJ61 HOL

2012 Mercedes-Benz E (3.0L, diesel). First registered 01 Jun 2012. Recorded mileage 117,778 miles. MOT valid until 11 May 2027. Taxed until 01 Jun 2027. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.

Make & Model
MERCEDES-BENZ E
Year / Origin
2012
Safety Recall
Recall Notice
MOT Status
Valid until 11 May 2027
Road Tax
Taxed (01 Jun 2027)
Recorded Mileage
117,778 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
Fuel & Engine
DIESEL · 3.0L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults

Outstanding Safety Recall Notice

Action Required

Official DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.

MOT Status
Valid
Valid until 11 May 2027
Tax Status
Taxed
Tax due 01 Jun 2027
Fuel Type
DIESEL
Year
2012
Engine
2987cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

A consistent pattern of clean MOT results over recent years defines this vehicle's recorded roadworthiness, with the most recent test on 13 May 2026 showing no defects. While the history includes isolated advisories regarding an oil leak in 2018 and steering/tyre issues in 2021, the subsequent three years of testing have been completed without any recorded failures or further advisories. This suggests a period of stability in the vehicle's mechanical condition according to official DVSA records. The recorded mileage of 117,778 miles for a 2012 model represents an average annual accumulation of approximately 8,413 miles. This usage profile is consistent with typical long-distance or mixed-use patterns for a vehicle of this age. Mechanically, this level of mileage suggests that while the vehicle has not been subjected to extreme high-frequency usage, components such as suspension bushes, exhaust systems, and drivetrain seals will have undergone standard age-related wear. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the steering system and rear axle area, given the 2021 advisory regarding play in the steering rack inner joints. During a test drive, it is advisable to check for any wandering sensation through the steering wheel or an imprecise, notched feeling when making small adjustments at low speeds. Additionally, because an offside rear tyre was previously noted as being worn on the edge, the buyer should inspect the rear suspension components and wheel alignment to ensure there is no uneven tyre wear or pulling to one side under braking or acceleration. The 2018 advisory for a non-excessive oil leak warrants a visual inspection of the engine bay and the underside of the vehicle for any evidence of fresh weeping or residue around gaskets and seals. While no recent leaks have been flagged, checking for oil misting on the engine block or any smell of burning oil after a drive can help determine if the previous condition has been resolved or if it remains a latent issue. Monitoring the engine's oil level and checking for any drips on driveway surfaces would be prudent steps to verify the current state of the lubrication system.
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JJ61 HOL Key Findings

  • 5 MOT tests recorded
  • Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
  • Latest MOT passed on 13/05/2026
  • 117,778 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • No defects recorded at the latest MOT

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

JJ61 HOL MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 24 Oct 2026, 19:59
MOT Analysis

Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (JJ61 HOL) between December 2021 and May 2026.

The record contains 5 passes and 0 failures.

The record shows no MOT failures, although 2 advisory notices note items to monitor.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (1 issue), Steering (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 2 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

JJ61 HOL Mileage History

  1. 10/12/202183,857 mi
  2. 19/12/2022102,407 mi+18,550 mi
  3. 11/06/2024111,002 mi+8,595 mi
  4. 01/07/2025111,181 mi+179 mi
  5. 13/05/2026117,778 mi+6,597 mi

Average of roughly 7,672 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

Technical Specifications

May be subject to ULEZ charges
Recall Notice Outstanding

Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence

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MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
80
/ 100 · Good
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Good

This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.

Valid MOT
Taxed
Exceptional MOT pass rate (100%)
Older vehicle
Outstanding recall notice
Experian Provenance Check

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Experian Provenance Data

Vehicle Provenance Investigation

9 Key Registers

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OUTSTANDING FINANCE

Experian Register

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INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

MIAFTR Register

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POLICE STOLEN (PNC)

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SALVAGE & AUCTION

Salvage Registers

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IMPORTED RECORD

Import Register

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EXPORTED MARKER

Export Register

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SCRAPPED RECORD

Scrappage Register

Validates whether the car has been surrendered or notified as scrapped to an Authorized Treatment Facility.

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CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

Statutory CoD

Confirms whether a statutory Certificate of Destruction has been issued against this chassis.

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V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

DVLA Master

Audits number of registered keepers and latest V5C logbook issue date.

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Direct Manufacturer Service History

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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
55/100
Risk Level
Medium
Medium
Est. Annual Cost
£1,200-£1,500
Mileage
At 117,778 miles, the mileage is above a...

Our Verdict

Proceed with caution – the vehicle shows

Ask the seller for any available service records, especially recent work on the steering rack and tyre replacements, as the 2021 MOT highlighted play in the steering rack inner joint(s). Verify that the tyre wear issue has been addressed and that the tyres are now within legal limits. When negotiating, consider the above‑average mileage and the potential cost of addressing the steering rack if the problem persists.

During a test drive, listen for any steering noises, check for consistent tyre grip, and ensure the diesel engine runs smoothly without excessive smoke or knocking. It is also worthwhile to request a recent independent mechanical inspection to confirm that the steering rack and suspension components are in good condition.

The 3.0 L diesel engine typically delivers around 45–50 mpg (imperial) in mixed driving, giving a reasonable fuel cost for a premium sedan. Road tax for a 2012 E‑Class diesel is likely in band 3 (£210 per year) based on CO2 emissions. Insurance groups for this model usually fall between 30 and 35, leading to moderate premiums. Maintenance on a German luxury car can be higher than mainstream brands, with annual servicing and occasional part replacements potentially adding £600–£800 to the yearly cost.

Overall, you can expect total annual running costs of roughly £1,200–£1,500 when fuel, tax, insurance, and typical maintenance are combined.

Focus on the steering rack and suspension, as the 2021 MOT recorded "Play in steering rack inner joint(s)". Check for any looseness or clunking when turning the wheel and inspect the rack boots for leaks. Also examine the rear tyres for uneven wear, given the earlier advisory about a tyre worn close to the legal limit.

Inspect the engine bay for any signs of oil leaks, especially around the turbocharger and diesel particulate filter, which are common wear points on older diesel engines. Verify that the vehicle’s service stamps show regular oil changes, as this helps prevent costly engine issues. Finally, confirm that all electronic systems, such as the infotainment and driver assistance features, are fully functional, as repairs on these can be expensive.

This 2012 Mercedes-Benz E‑Class diesel has passed its last four MOTs without recorded defects and only two advisories were noted in 2021 (tyre wear and steering rack play). Mileage has risen to 117,778 miles, which is higher than typical for a fourteen‑year‑old car. The lack of model‑wide reliability data means you should rely on the specific MOT history and a thorough inspection before committing.

There is no aggregate MOT reliability data available for the Mercedes‑Benz E‑Class, so model‑wide reliability cannot be quantified.

Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.

Data Sources

DVSA

Official MOT test logs & failure reasons

DVLA

Tax, registration & powertrain specs

Experian

Finance, stolen markers & total loss

AI Analysis

Historical fault & advisory patterns

Vehicle & Plate History

Previous plates for this vehicle