2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 315 Premium CDI 1.9L Diesel · KS22 DDV

A 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 315 presenting with 97,706 miles carries an MOT narrative centred on emerging wear rather than outright failure, but the pattern of advisories across both recorded tests points to chassis and drivetrain components beginning to demand attention. The most recent examination on 19 June 2026 returned a pass, yet it flagged a severely deteriorated nearside front drive shaft constant velocity boot alongside advisories for play in both steering rack inner joints and a cut on the nearside rear tyre. The earlier test on 28 May 2025 was similarly clean on pass status but recorded advisories for both front service brakes binding, though not excessively, plus a minor windscreen chip. The cumulative picture is of a commercial vehicle where the steering linkage, brake caliper slides, and drivetrain sealing are all showing early-to-mid life wear simultaneously, a combination worth weighing carefully on any prospective purchase. The annual mileage accumulation sits at roughly 24,426 miles per year, which is high for a four-year-old Sprinter and consistent with sustained commercial or fleet deployment. This rate of use places considerable ongoing demand on the braking system, steering components, suspension bushes, and clutch or dual-mass flywheel wear, all of which accelerate noticeably beyond the typical passenger car duty cycle. There are no extended gaps in the testing record suggesting prolonged standing periods, and the mileage progression between the 2025 and 2026 tests appears continuous, indicating the vehicle has been in regular service. For a buyer, this usage profile means that consumable replacement intervals will arrive sooner than the calendar would suggest, and pre-purchase inspection should prioritise wear items that scale directly with mileage rather than age. The steering rack inner joint play recorded on both sides at the 2026 test is a particular concern worth investigating physically before committing to purchase. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking through the steering wheel when turning at low speed over kerbs or speed humps, and feel for any notching or slack in the steering as it returns to centre. Steering racks on the Sprinter platform are not inexpensive to refurbish or replace, so confirming whether the play is within manufacturer tolerance or represents a developing fault is essential. Equally, the severely deteriorated nearside front CV boot will require immediate replacement if not already addressed, as a torn boot allows grease loss and water ingress, leading rapidly to joint failure and potential drivetrain damage. Inspect the inner and outer CV joints for any grease fling on the surrounding suspension arm or subframe, and rotate the joint by hand where accessible to feel for any clicking or roughness. The advisories relating to both front service brakes binding on the 2025 test warrant a focused assessment of the caliper guide pins and slide mechanisms, as binding brakes generate heat, accelerate pad and disc wear, and can compromise stopping performance. On a test drive, pay attention to whether the vehicle pulls to one side under braking, whether the steering wheel exhibits any vibration or judder through the pedal, and whether a hot wheel can be detected after a sustained stop from speed. The nearside rear tyre cut, though not deep enough to reach the ply or cords, should be examined to ensure it has not progressed since the test, and the overall tyre age and tread depth should be confirmed against the high annual mileage. Beyond these recorded items, a thorough pre-purchase inspection on a ramp is advisable to check the rear leaf spring bushes, anti-roll bar links, and any signs of corrosion on the underbody, given the vehicle's working-van background.