2012 Mercedes-Benz C 2.1L Diesel · LD12 TYF

The defining mechanical theme of this 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a progressive pattern of front brake and brake line deterioration, now extending across three consecutive MOT tests. At the most recent examination on 13 November 2025, the vehicle passed, but advisories were raised for front brake disc wear (pitted and scored) and corrosion of both front brake pipes covered in grease or other material. These brake pipe advisories have appeared annually since 2022, indicating that protective coatings are failing and the underlying ferrous lines are being exposed to road salts and moisture. The 2024 test also flagged front exhaust deterioration and a worn nearside rear suspension arm pin or bush, both of which point to age-related chassis and underfloor wear rather than isolated incidents. At 92,080 miles over approximately 14 years, the vehicle has averaged around 6,577 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with typical usage of a car of this age. There are no extended gaps between MOT tests that would suggest long periods of standing, which means corrosion patterns are consistent with active use rather than the accelerated rust and seized-component risks associated with prolonged storage. The mileage accumulation appears steady and proportionate to the test dates, suggesting a vehicle that has been driven regularly rather than one that has been subject to either long-term neglect or unusually high motorway miles that might accelerate wear on clutches, injectors, or turbochargers. For a prospective buyer, the primary inspection priorities should be the front brake discs and the corroded front brake pipes that have been flagged repeatedly. On a test drive, listen for any brake pedal judder or vibration under firm stopping, which would confirm the pitted disc condition has worsened beyond advisory level, and check for any sponginess in the pedal that could indicate brake fluid ingress past corroded pipe joints. The front brake pipes should be physically inspected beneath the vehicle for swelling, blistering under the protective coating, or weeping joints, as these steel lines on a 14-year-old Mercedes are approaching the stage where replacement becomes advisable to prevent a future MOT failure. Additionally, the nearside rear suspension arm bush flagged in 2024 warrants close attention; on uneven surfaces, listen for clonking or knocking from the rear axle and feel for any vagueness or wandering through high-speed corners, as worn trailing arm or control arm bushes on the C-Class W204 platform commonly progress from advisory to failure within two to three test cycles. The rear tyre perishing advisory from 2025 should not be overlooked either, as cracking on the sidewall of any tyre over six years old indicates rubber degradation that compromises grip in wet conditions and would warrant immediate replacement regardless of remaining tread depth. The front exhaust deterioration noted in 2024 also merits a physical inspection from underneath; tapping the front pipe and catalytic converter heat shield for brittleness or visible rust holes will give a clearer picture than the advisory alone suggests. With no major failures recorded and no structural or steering advisories, the vehicle remains roadworthy and usable, but a buyer should budget for brake disc and brake line refurbishment in the near term to avoid the next MOT escalating these items into failures.