2009 Mercedes B-Class 2.0L Diesel · KS09 LDE

The 2009 Mercedes B-Class holds a valid MOT following its most recent test on 21 August 2025 at 72,016 miles, where it passed with only minor advisories. The maintenance trend over the past three years shows a clear improvement in structural and mechanical integrity, despite a serious failure just eight days prior to that pass. On 13 August 2025 at 71,990 miles, the tester flagged a fractured rear coil spring and excessive exhaust smoke, both of which were evidently rectified before the retest. This suggests the previous owner addressed critical safety items promptly, though the recurrence of certain minor faults indicates cosmetic and consumable upkeep remains inconsistent. The vehicle has covered roughly 4,236 miles per year over its seventeen-year life, which is notably low for a diesel or petrol family hatchback of this era. Between the August 2024 test at 67,770 miles and the August 2025 tests at 71,990 to 72,016 miles, the car accumulated approximately 4,246 miles in twelve months, a modest but steady increase. No significant mileage gaps or suspicious jumps appear in the record, and the tight spread between the failure and retest mileages confirms the car was driven only for the purpose of the MOT. The overall pattern implies light, regular use rather than prolonged standing, which reduces the risk of deterioration from inactivity such as seized brakes or perished rubber components. Buyers should focus their physical inspection on the rear suspension and braking system. The fractured rear coil spring found in August 2025 raises a question about the condition of the remaining springs and dampers, particularly if the car has spent time loaded heavily or on poor surfaces. A thorough check for corrosion on the spring seats and lower arms is advisable. The repeated advisory for rear brake disc wear and scoring, noted in both 2023 and 2024, points to a pattern of marginal braking components that may have been replaced recently but warrants a close look at disc thickness and pad condition today. The recurring tyre damage advisories across multiple tests, including perishing and cracking, suggest the previous owner deferred replacing ageing rubber. All four tyres should be inspected for date codes, sidewall condition, and tread depth, as a car sitting lightly used for long periods can develop flat spots and sidewall degradation. The persistent steering rack play advisory on the offside front, present in both 2023 and 2024, should be checked for excess free play and any clunking over uneven ground. Finally, the smoke-related emissions failure in 2025, though resolved, justifies a cold-start exhaust check and a scan for any stored engine fault codes to rule out injector, EGR, or turbocharger issues that could resurface.