2016 Mercedes-Benz C 2.0L Petrol · KO65 ABF

The most recent MOT, dated 19 September 2025, was passed but returned a series of advisories covering front‑brake disc wear, rear‑brake disc pitting, and, notably, play in the off‑side front steering‑rack inner joint. Over the preceding three years the pattern has shifted from tyre‑ageing warnings in 2019‑2020 to a genuine failure in October 2023 (driven by brake‑disc thickness) and a steady accumulation of brake‑disc and steering‑rack advisories thereafter. While the car continues to meet the legal pass criteria, the defect trend is clearly moving towards increased wear on the braking system and emerging steering‑rack laxity rather than improving. At 54 563 mi the vehicle averages roughly 5 500 mi per annum, which is low for a ten‑year‑old Mercedes‑Benz C‑Class. Such modest utilisation often points to periods of infrequent use or prolonged storage, conditions that accelerate age‑related deterioration of rubber components, battery cells and corrosion‑prone metalwork. Low mileage does not offset the calendar‑based ageing of tyres, seals and fluids, and it can mask the gradual loss of brake‑disc material that is now being flagged by the MOT examiner. A prospective buyer should give the braking system the highest priority. Verify the actual disc thickness on all four wheels against the manufacturer’s minimum specification; any disc approaching the limit will need replacement together with the thin rear pads already noted. Look for pulsation or shudder when applying the brakes, especially at higher speeds, as this indicates uneven disc wear or warping. The steering‑rack inner joint play should be assessed by rotating the wheel at low speed and feeling for any clunk, looseness or delayed return; excessive play often precedes a rack‑and‑pinion rebuild or replacement and can affect alignment. Examine the suspension bushes and ball joints for any creaking or looseness, as the low‑annual mileage does not preclude wear from age. Tyre condition is another critical area: the front tyres were flagged as close to the legal tread limit and showing edge wear, while the rear tyres have exhibited sidewall cracking and perishing. Inspect the tread depth with a gauge, ensure the sidewalls are free of dry‑rot, and confirm that the tyres are of the same size and type to avoid handling imbalance. Given the vehicle’s age, request a thorough under‑body inspection for corrosion, especially around the wheel arches and suspension mounting points, and have the 12 V battery load‑tested as it may be nearing the end of its service life. Finally, confirm that the brake fluid has been flushed within the last two years, the coolant and gearbox oils have been changed according to the service schedule, and that a complete service book is available to corroborate the maintenance history.