2015 Mercedes-Benz C 2.1L Diesel · LL64 WSF

The most recent MOT on 1 March 2023 recorded a Pass but was accompanied by several advisories and, in a separate entry on the same day, a Fail for a dangerous off‑side rear wheel fracture, a major TPMS fault and repeated front‑wheel issues. This juxtaposition indicates that the vehicle required remedial work after the failure and was subsequently cleared, yet the persistence of front‑wheel distortion, tyre damage and wheel‑bearing play shows a pattern of recurring defects. Compared with an otherwise clean record from 2017 onward, the trend is clearly deteriorating rather than stabilising. At 81,191 mi for a 2015 model the average annual distance is roughly 7,400 mi, which sits comfortably within normal UK usage. There are no evident long‑term mileage gaps that would suggest prolonged storage, nor is there a rapid accumulation of miles that would accelerate wear on high‑stress components. Consequently the mileage itself does not raise immediate concerns, but the age of the car means that many wear items are approaching the end of their service life irrespective of the relatively modest mileage. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the front‑wheel assembly. The advisory of a slightly distorted near‑side front wheel and a damaged tyre points to possible impact damage; inspect the wheel for bends, cracks and run‑out, and verify that the tyre sidewalls are free of cuts, bulges or excessive ageing. The noted slight play in the near‑side front wheel bearing should be checked by rocking the wheel at the 12 o’clock position; any audible grinding or a feeling of looseness indicates bearing wear that will soon require replacement. On a test drive listen for low‑frequency whine or clunking when turning, and feel for any wobble at higher speeds, which would confirm the bearing or wheel‑runout issue. The dangerous off‑side rear wheel fracture recorded in the same MOT is a red flag – the wheel must be replaced and the surrounding hub and brake components inspected for impact damage or corrosion. The off‑side rear parking brake was noted as just meeting the minimum, so a full adjustment and a check for uneven wear on the rear discs is advisable. The TPMS malfunction means the system is either dead or has a sensor fault; verify that all four sensors are operational and that tyre pressures are within spec. Given the vehicle’s age, also examine the condition of the suspension bushes, coil springs and dampers for any cracking or leakage, check the brake discs for surface rust or glazing, and confirm that the 12 V battery is not more than three years old and holds a healthy charge. Finally, ensure that the service history shows timely oil, coolant and filter changes, as calendar‑based fluid degradation can become a hidden source of failure in a car that has spent periods idle.