2016 Mercedes-Benz E 1.9L Diesel · KR16 RXT

The most recent MOT test conducted on 17 December 2025 resulted in a Pass, although this followed an earlier failure on the same date which was subsequently rectified. The recorded advisories from the retest include an offside rear tyre worn close to the legal limit and on edge, front brake pads noted as wearing thin, and a nearside front service brake fluctuating but not excessively. Looking at the broader history, the vehicle has demonstrated a largely stable maintenance profile with clean passes in January 2025 and June 2024, and the only previous failure was in June 2024 relating to an offside front tyre with ply or cords exposed, which was presumably changed before the subsequent pass two days later. The pattern does not indicate systemic deterioration but does highlight ongoing attention required to the braking system and tyre condition, which a prospective buyer should treat as active maintenance items rather than minor observations. With a recorded mileage of 79,851 miles over a ten-year service life, this E-Class has averaged approximately 7,985 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with typical usage for a premium executive saloon of this era. There are no significant gaps in the MOT record that would suggest extended periods of standing, and the mileage accumulation appears steady rather than abrupt, which is generally favourable for mechanical longevity. The annual rate is neither so low as to raise concerns about dormant corrosion, seized calipers, or perished rubber components, nor so high as to imply heavy drivetrain or suspension wear. That said, at approaching eighty thousand miles, certain wear items such as suspension bushes, coil springs, anti-roll bar links, and engine mounts should realistically be approaching or past their service interval on a vehicle of this age and specification. The recurring advisories relating to brake components warrant direct physical inspection. The front brake pads being noted as wearing thin on the December 2025 test implies they may now require replacement imminently, and a prospective buyer should budget accordingly while also confirming the condition of the front brake discs, as worn pads on a ten-year-old vehicle often coincide with discs nearing their minimum thickness or exhibiting lipping and corrosion. The advisory regarding the nearside front service brake fluctuating suggests possible caliper slide pin wear, sticking guide pins, or uneven pad bedding, and on a test drive any pulling to one side under braking, a spongy pedal, or vibration through the steering wheel should be noted as symptomatic of these issues. A thorough road test should include several firm stops from moderate speed to confirm straight-line tracking and pedal firmness, as well as listening for any grinding or scraping that would indicate pad material fully depleted. Beyond the documented items, practical age-related checks are advisable given the vehicle has now entered its eleventh year. Tyre sidewalls should be examined closely for perishing and cracking, particularly as the recent advisories indicate active monitoring of tread condition; all four tyres should ideally be of matching age and specification. The 12V battery should be tested for cranking strength and state of charge, as Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this generation are sensitive to voltage drops which can trigger spurious warning lights and SAM module faults. Coolant, brake fluid, and automatic transmission fluid should be considered for renewal on a calendar basis regardless of mileage, with brake fluid being particularly hygroscopic and typically requiring replacement every two years to prevent internal corrosion of the braking system. Finally, the underside of the vehicle should be examined on a ramp for signs of fluid weeping from the gearbox, differential, or engine sumps, and the exhaust system checked for corrosion at the mounting points and flex joints, which are common failure areas on a diesel or petrol executive car of this vintage.