2021 Mercedes-Benz 8 2.8L Petrol · L395 DUE

A consistent record of compliance characterises this vehicle, which has maintained a clean MOT status in every annual inspection following its initial registration failure in early 2021. The most recent test on 4 August 2025 resulted in a pass with no recorded defects, continuing a trend of four consecutive years without any flagged issues. While the initial failure involved minor visibility and lighting faults, these were rectified immediately, and the subsequent lack of advisories suggests that the vehicle has met the minimum legal roadworthiness standards consistently throughout its operational life. Accumulating 106,151 miles over a five-year period equates to an average of approximately 21,230 miles per annum, a rate significantly higher than the typical passenger car usage profile. This high-mileage history indicates that the vehicle has spent a substantial proportion of its life at motorway speeds, which generally places less strain on clutch and gearbox components compared to urban driving but accelerates the fatigue of suspension bushings, dampers, and wheel bearings. Prospective buyers should recognise that while the MOT record is clear, the high mileage necessitates a thorough physical inspection of high-wear consumables that are not always captured by the annual test, particularly the drivetrain and steering geometry. Given the high mileage, the test drive should focus on identifying signs of suspension wear that may not have triggered a failure but could be nearing the end of their service life. Listen carefully for metallic knocks or clunks when traversing speed humps or uneven road surfaces, as these often indicate play in the anti-roll bar links or control arm bushes. Additionally, pay close attention to the steering feel; any vagueness or pull to one side may point to uneven tyre wear or geometry misalignment resulting from the high-mileage accumulation. Ensure the vehicle tracks straight under braking and check for any shuddering through the pedal, which could indicate warped brake discs or uneven pad wear. Beyond the suspension and braking systems, the high-mileage usage warrants a careful examination of the engine bay and undercarriage for signs of fluid leaks or oil misting. Although the MOT history is clean, inspect the underside for any evidence of weeping from the engine or transmission seals, as these components have been subjected to significant thermal cycling. Check that the engine reaches operating temperature within a reasonable timeframe and remains stable under load, and verify that all electronic features, including the lighting systems that were subject to the initial 2021 failure, remain fully functional. A cold start should be performed to listen for any abnormal timing chain noise or irregular idling, which are critical considerations for a vehicle with this level of usage.