2007 Mercedes E 3.0L Diesel · KY07 VSN

The vehicle presents in a concerning state of roadworthiness with a clear trend of deferred mechanical maintenance. While it passed its most recent test on 22 October 2025 at 139,730 miles, this followed a significant failure on the same day involving multiple critical safety defects. The history indicates a pattern where the owner only addresses components after a failure rather than performing preventative replacement. The presence of plastic protective covers underneath the vehicle across multiple years is a red flag as it prevents a thorough visual inspection of structural integrity and leak points. At 19 years old, the mileage of 139,730 miles represents an average of approximately 7,350 miles per year, which is consistent with low-to-moderate annual use. However, the accumulation of 4,745 miles between November 2024 and October 2025 shows the vehicle is in active use. The recurring nature of certain issues, such as the persistent oil leak noted since 2024, suggests the engine's age-related components are reaching the end of their functional life despite the relatively low annual mileage. A prospective buyer must conduct a rigorous inspection of the front suspension and steering assembly. The record shows repeated failures regarding the steering rack inner joints, track rod ends, and ball joints. The offside front wheel bearing and nearside front coil spring were also flagged in 2025, indicating the front-end geometry is significantly compromised. Furthermore, the consistent inner tread wear on the front tyres across several years suggests a persistent alignment issue or worn components that have not been rectified, leading to premature tyre degradation. Corrosion management is also required on the exhaust system and shock absorbers. Corroded rear shocks and exhaust hangers have been noted in both 2024 and 2025. The 2023 failure for excessive smoke emissions from the turbocharged engine hints at potential turbo or fueling issues that should be monitored closely. Given the history of thin brake pads and worn discs hidden by underbody covers, the buyer should personally inspect the undercarriage for hidden rust or active fluid leaks that the tester may have missed.