2002 Mercedes-Benz E 3.2L Diesel · KR02 VBO

The MOT history for this 2002 Mercedes E-Class shows a concerning trend of mechanical degradation in its recent inspections. In the most recent test on 21 August 2025 at 145,093 miles, the vehicle passed only three days after a failure. That failure revealed multiple critical issues including front brake discs in a condition that was seriously weakened, an offside rear suspension arm bush being excessively worn, and a corroded brake pipe covered in material that prevented inspection. The presence of general corrosion on underside components and repeated reports of low suspension across multiple tests suggest that the vehicle's structural and chassis-related components are reaching the end of their service life. The mileage data presents an inconsistent usage pattern for a 24-year-old vehicle. There was a significant jump of 11,823 miles between August 2022 and August 2023, followed by a further increase of 11,823 miles in the following year. However, the recorded mileage of 145,093 miles in 2025 is significantly lower than the 207,839 miles recorded in 2023. This discrepancy suggests either a clerical error in the mileage recording or that the vehicle has undergone an odometer adjustment or engine replacement, as the current average of roughly 6,000 miles per year is typical but the sudden drop makes the data unreliable. A buyer must prioritize a thorough inspection of the undercarriage for the extent of the reported corrosion. The recurring mention of low suspension and the specific failure of the offside rear suspension arm bush indicate that the suspension geometry and bushings are likely compromised. The failure of the brake discs and pipes in 2025 confirms that the braking system requires immediate and potentially expensive attention. While the vehicle currently holds its MOT, the frequency of safety-related failures indicates a car that is now requiring frequent and costly repairs to remain roadworthy.