2005 Mercedes-Benz C 2.1L Diesel · KM05 WGK

The most recent MOT test on December 2, 2025, resulted in a failure without any recorded defects, indicating the vehicle was not roadworthy at that point despite passing the previous test just eleven months earlier. This abrupt failure—with no defects logged—suggests either a critical component failure (such as a sudden brake or suspension collapse) or a procedural oversight in the test itself. The pattern of alternating passes and fails over the past three years (2023-2025) is unusual and raises questions about whether the vehicle was driven unsafely between tests or if key components were neglected until failure. The lack of advisories or defects in any test implies that, if failures occurred, they were either catastrophic or not systematically documented, which is concerning for a vehicle of this age and mileage. The recorded mileage progression shows a steady but typical accumulation for a vehicle of this age, averaging around 8,000 miles per year. There are no extreme gaps or sudden spikes in mileage between tests, though the interval between the 2023 failure and the 2024 pass (13 months) is unusually long compared to the usual 12-month MOT cycle. The 2025 failure occurred just two days before the test date, suggesting the vehicle may have been driven unsafely in its final months or that critical components were in a state of advanced deterioration. The absence of any advisories in prior tests means there were no warnings about impending failures, which could indicate either diligent maintenance masking underlying issues or a lack of thorough pre-test inspections. Given the history, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the braking system, particularly the rear calipers and discs, as binding brakes were a recurring issue in the 2023 failure. The suspension—especially rear bushes and coil springs—should be closely examined for wear or corrosion, as these components often fail catastrophically without prior warning. Structural integrity, particularly around the chassis and subframe, must be assessed for rust or weld repairs, as older Mercedes-Benz models are prone to corrosion in high-stress areas. The exhaust system should also be checked for leaks or excessive corrosion, as this is a common failure point in vehicles of this age. Given the abrupt 2025 failure, evidence of recent servicing or maintenance records would be essential to confirm whether critical components have been replaced or repaired since the last test.