2009 Mercedes E 2.1L Diesel · KN09 LXG

The vehicle presents a concerning roadworthiness profile with a maintenance trend that appears reactive rather than proactive. While it passed its most recent test in September 2022 at 156,460 miles, this followed a significant failure just one day prior due to excessive dense blue smoke during acceleration. This failure indicates internal engine wear, likely related to oil consumption or turbocharger issues, which remains an unaddressed mechanical risk. The lack of any MOT records for nearly four years suggests the vehicle has either been off the road or is operating without legal safety inspections. The recorded mileage of 156,460 miles over 17 years reflects an average usage of approximately 9,200 miles per annum, which aligns with typical long-distance commuting. However, the data shows a period of high activity between October 2020 and 2021, where the car covered roughly 5,000 miles in a year. The significant gap between the September 2022 test and the current date is a major red flag, as rubber components, fluid degradation, and structural corrosion can accelerate during long periods of inactivity regardless of low mileage. A buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the braking system and engine health. The 2020 record flagged a parking brake that only marginally met the efficiency threshold, suggesting worn cables or seized calipers that likely require further attention. The 2022 failure for blue smoke is a critical mechanical point that demands a compression test or borescope inspection of the cylinders and turbo. Furthermore, the previous failures for unevenly worn tyres in 2020 indicate a history of neglecting basic maintenance, necessitating a check of the current suspension bushes and bushings for alignment-related issues.