2018 Mercedes-Benz E 1.9L Diesel · KJ67 AFA

The most recent DVSA MOT test for this 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was conducted on 20 November 2023, where the vehicle passed with no defects or advisories recorded. This clean pass indicates that on the day of testing, the car met the minimum roadworthiness standards across all inspected categories, including lighting, steering, suspension, brakes, tyres, exhaust emissions, and structural integrity. Looking back through the recorded history, the vehicle has now passed three consecutive MOT tests on 28 February 2022, 5 October 2022, and 20 November 2023, all without any advisories or failures being noted. The absence of any recorded advisories is notable because these are typically used by testers to flag items that are not yet at failure level but are close to requiring attention, such as worn brake pads, perished tyres, or corroded components. A clean record such as this suggests either that the vehicle has been exceptionally well maintained, or that the owner has proactively rectified issues before the annual test. However, it is important to note that no MOT data is recorded for tests after November 2023, which means the vehicle may be due its next annual test shortly and prospective buyers should verify the current status. With 67,269 miles recorded on an 8-year-old vehicle, this E-Class averages approximately 8,409 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a premium executive saloon of this age and consistent with moderate private or mixed-use driving. There are no significant gaps in the recorded mileage progression that would suggest prolonged periods of standing or storage, nor is there evidence of unusually rapid accumulation that would indicate heavy commercial or motorway use. This moderate annual mileage is generally favourable from a mechanical wear perspective, as it implies that consumable components such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and clutch (if manual) will have experienced reasonable but not excessive use. The relatively consistent usage pattern also means that rubber seals, gaskets, and flexible components are less likely to have suffered from the drying and perishing associated with long-term inactivity, while high-mileage wear concerns on items such as suspension bushes and drivetrain mounts are less pressing than they would be on a vehicle covering 20,000 or more miles annually. Given the clean MOT history and moderate mileage, physical inspection should focus on age-related degradation rather than wear-related defects. The tyres should be examined carefully for sidewall cracking or perishing, which occurs regardless of tread depth and is particularly common on vehicles that have been parked outside, even at moderate mileages; check the DOT date code on the sidewall to confirm manufacture date and replace any tyres over six years old regardless of remaining tread. The 12V battery, originally fitted in 2018 or shortly after, is likely due for replacement if it has not already been changed, as Mercedes-Benz auxiliary batteries and main starter batteries typically last between five and seven years; signs of slow cranking, electrical glitches, or warning messages on start-up would suggest imminent failure. Brake discs, particularly the rear ones on many Mercedes models, are prone to corrosion and binding caliper pistons from standing, so during a test drive listen for any scraping or grinding from the rear and feel for uneven retardation or pulling to one side. A thorough test drive should include careful attention to the suspension, which on the E-Class frequently exhibits wear in the front control arm bushings and rear subframe mounts; listen for clonks or knocking over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and feel for any vagueness or wandering from the steering. Check for fluid leaks beneath the vehicle, particularly from the areas of the engine oil sump, power steering rack, and rear differential or transmission, as even small seepages indicate seals that are beginning to harden with age. Confirm that the full service history is present and that services have been carried out at the correct intervals, ideally using Mercedes-Benz approved fluids and parts, as the E-Class is sensitive to specification with regard to engine oil, brake fluid, and transmission fluid. Brake fluid should have been replaced at least every two years regardless of mileage, and the coolant system flushed at the recommended intervals, so verify these time-based services have been documented. Finally, confirm that any optional equipment, such as air suspension (if fitted to this variant), panoramic roof mechanisms, and infotainment systems, operate correctly, as repairs to these can be disproportionately expensive on premium vehicles once out of warranty.