1998 Mercedes Benz E55 5.4L Petrol · L7 AHW

The vehicle currently holds a roadworthy status following a successful MOT test on 5 September 2025 at 166,319 miles. The maintenance trend appears stable despite a brief period of instability earlier in that calendar year. While the car failed tests in late July 2025 and again in early September before the final pass, the immediate pass on the final test with no recorded defects suggests that any previous issues were minor items that were quickly rectified by the owner rather than indicative of a systemic mechanical failure or structural decline. The mileage profile is notably low for a 28-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 5,940 miles per year. The data shows a significant deceleration in usage between January 2023 and July 2024, where the car covered only 619 miles in over sixteen months. However, the mileage has increased more recently, with 270 miles recorded between the two 2025 tests. This low mileage indicates that while mechanical components may have less wear from use, the vehicle is susceptible to age-related degradation such as dry-rot, perished seals, and corrosion from sitting stationary. A buyer must prioritize a physical inspection of the chassis and suspension components for structural rust, as low-mileage older Mercedes often hide oxidation that mileage cannot detect. Given the recent failures in 2025, verify the suspension bushes and brake lines for signs of cracking or leaking that might have caused the previous failures. Focus attention specifically on the condition of the rubber hoses and fluid levels to ensure that the low use has not led to brittle material failure.