2012 Mercedes-Benz E 2.1L Diesel · KN12 AWC
2012 Mercedes-Benz E (2.1L, diesel). First registered 12 Apr 2012. Recorded mileage 99,335 miles. MOT valid until 30 Mar 2027. Taxed until 01 Mar 2027. No outstanding manufacturer safety recalls recorded.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ E
- Year / Origin
- 2012 · Northampton
- Safety Recall
- None Outstanding
- MOT Status
- Valid until 30 Mar 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Mar 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 99,335 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.1L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
KN12 AWC Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 18/03/2026
- 99,335 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
KN12 AWC MOT History
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 (KN12 AWC) between March 2023 and March 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 18 March 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (2 issues), Suspension (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 3 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.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn [lower rear arm] (5.3.4 (a) (i))”.
KN12 AWC Mileage History
- 30/03/202392,934 mi
- 28/03/202469,974 mi-22,960 mi
- 26/03/202584,645 mi+14,671 mi
- 01/04/202585,077 mi+432 mi
- 18/03/202699,335 mi+14,258 mi
Average of roughly 2,157 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Recorded mileage decreased between one or more tests — a potential clocking indicator worth verifying before purchase.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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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.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Digital Service History
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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
This Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a solid contender for those seeking a high-specification diesel saloon, provided the recent mileage increase is accounted for. The clean MOT record from the last year suggests a vehicle that is currently meeting regulatory standards without immediate defect issues.
When inspecting this specific 2012 E-Class, focus on the transition between the 85,000 and 99,000-mile marks, as the vehicle has seen a significant increase in annual usage recently. Check for any evidence of recent suspension work, as suspension arm issues are a common failure point for this model across the wider dataset.
Request documentation regarding the 2025 MOT failure to understand exactly what caused the non-compliance. Given the 2.1L diesel engine, ensure you verify the service intervals have been strictly adhered to, as high-mileage diesel engines require consistent maintenance to avoid common issues like engine management light complications.
As a 2143cc diesel, this E-Class is designed for efficient long-distance cruising, though running costs will be higher than a smaller hatchback. Fuel economy will depend heavily on driving style and load, but it should remain competitive for its class.
Tax and insurance groups for a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vary based on specific trim, but buyers should budget for mid-range insurance premiums. Maintenance costs for this model can be higher than average due to the complexity of the engineering and the cost of genuine Mercedes-Benz components.
Pay close attention to the suspension components. Aggregate data for this model shows suspension arms as a top failure reason, so look for any uneven tyre wear or knocking sounds during a test drive.
Additionally, monitor the dashboard for any 'engine mil inoperative' warnings or other engine management lights, as this is a documented failure reason for this model type. Given the current mileage is approaching the 100,000-mile milestone, inspect the condition of the brake discs and pads, as well as any signs of fluid leaks around the engine bay.
Registered in April 2012, this black 2.1L diesel E-Class has covered 99,335 miles as of its most recent MOT in March 2026. While it experienced one MOT failure in March 2025 at 84,645 miles, the subsequent two tests have passed without defects recorded. The mileage is higher than the model aggregate average of 9,165 per annum, reflecting a vehicle that has been used more extensively than the typical example in this dataset.
Aggregate data for this model shows an 83.9% average MOT pass rate, with suspension arms and engine management issues being common failure points.
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
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