2008 Mercedes E 1.8L Petrol · LG58 KZX

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history indicates a pattern of reactive rather than proactive care. The most recent test on October 24, 2025 at 81,329 miles shows a pass only after a failure involving multiple safety-critical defects. While the vehicle cleared the immediate issues with the exhaust mounting and suspension arm ball joint, the recurring failures related to tyres and suspension suggest a trend where the owner only addresses mechanical faults when they reach a legal failure threshold. At 81,329 miles, this eighteen-year-old Mercedes has covered relatively low mileage, averaging approximately 4,500 miles per year. The data shows long intervals between tests, with only 4,000 miles covered between November 2023 and November 2024, and another 5,500 miles thereafter. This low usage suggests that while the drivetrain may not be under heavy stress, the rubber-based components are likely suffering from age-related degradation. The consistent appearance of perished tyres and exposed cords across multiple years confirms that the vehicle may sit stationary for extended periods, leading to dry rot and uneven wear. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension geometry. The failure of the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint in 2025 indicates that other rubber bushes and joints are likely nearing the end of their life due to age rather than mileage. The braking system requires scrutiny, as the 2023 record already flagged both front and rear brake discs as worn towards the limit of their tolerance. Furthermore, the heavy inner-edge wear on the rear tyres noted in the 2025 failure suggests an alignment issue or worn tracking components that must be addressed to prevent premature replacement of new rubber.