2003 Mercedes E 2.7L Diesel · KS53 SVA

The most recent MOT on 2023-09-06 shows a pass with several critical issues: rear brake pads wearing thin, front tyres near legal limits, and an offside front wheel bearing with slight play. A separate failed MOT on the same date highlights front brake pads below 1.5mm (the legal minimum), indicating a severe deterioration in braking components within a short period. This suggests urgent attention is needed for brake systems, as pad thickness is a safety-critical factor. Recurring mechanical patterns include tyre wear (near legal limits on both front tyres in multiple MOTs) and suspension/steering issues , such as wheel bearings with slight play and suspension arm bushings or joints showing wear. These problems first appeared in 2021 and persisted through 2023, with no evidence of resolution. The offside front wheel bearing’s slight play was noted in 2022 and 2023, while suspension arm ball joints and bushings showed similar issues in 2021 and 2022. This indicates a worsening trend in steering and suspension components, which could compromise handling and safety. The vehicle’s mileage of 122,482 miles over 23 years equates to roughly 5,325 miles per year—a low figure for its age . This may reflect infrequent use or prolonged periods of inactivity, which can accelerate wear on rubber components (e.g., tyres, seals) and lead to stiffness in moving parts (e.g., bearings, suspension). However, the absence of major engine or transmission failures in the MOT history suggests the vehicle has not been subjected to heavy or continuous use.