2005 Mercedes-Benz C 1.8L Petrol · KW54 HJC

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but exhibits a worsening trend in deferred mechanical maintenance regarding steering components. While it passed its most recent test in January 2025 at 94,652 miles, it failed that same session due to an inoperative engine management warning light. The presence of play in both front lower arm trailing ball joints and a deteriorating offside front steering rack gaiter indicates that the front suspension assembly is reaching the end of its functional life, following similar steering issues noted in December 2023. At 21 years old, the recorded mileage of 94,652 miles represents low usage at approximately 4,500 miles per year. The data shows consistent but infrequent use, with only 3,385 miles covered between December 2023 and January 2025, and 2,790 miles between December 2022 and December 2023. This low mileage often suggests that rubber-based components and metal parts suffer more from age-related corrosion and corrosion than high-mileage wear and tear. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the steering and suspension systems, as the history shows recurring faults with the steering rack inner joints and ball joints. The screeching noise from the nearside rear brakes reported in 2022 suggests a binding caliper or worn hardware that requires verification of current condition. Additionally, the corroded rear coil springs flagged in 2023 should be visually inspected for structural integrity to ensure the springs have not begun to snap due to advanced rust. The recurring engine management light failure also necessitates a professional diagnostic scan to ensure a sensor fault was not simply cleared rather than addressed.