2022 Mercedes-Benz S 350 L AMG Line Premium D A 2.9L Diesel · LM22 FVV

The defining mechanical story for this S-Class centres on a recent tyre-related failure that has since been resolved, alongside a pattern of premature front tyre wear. On 11 March 2026 the vehicle passed its MOT after a prior test on 4 March 2026 had resulted in a dangerous failure due to a nearside rear tyre bulge caused by structural separation or partial failure. The bulge defect, which would have rendered the car unroadworthy in its flagged state, was remedied prior to the subsequent pass, but both front tyres were simultaneously flagged at the legal tread limit with wear concentrated on the outer edges on both the failure and pass tests. With the rear tyre defect now cleared, the remaining technical concern sits squarely on the front axle geometry, where repeated outer-edge wear on both sides suggests a persistent alignment or suspension geometry issue that the advisory history alone cannot fully diagnose. Annual mileage stands at roughly 6,404 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a four-year-old luxury saloon of this class and consistent with the single MOT test recorded in 2025 alongside the two early 2026 tests. The mileage accumulation shown between the 2025 and 2026 tests is modest, indicating that the vehicle has not been subjected to high-mileage driving that would accelerate wear on braking components, drivetrain mounts or suspension consumables. The relatively low and steady usage does, however, mean that components such as brake discs, calipers and flexible brake hoses may be more vulnerable to corrosion or seizing from underuse rather than wear from heavy service, an important consideration when physically inspecting the braking system. There are no multi-year testing gaps in the recorded history that would suggest long periods of standing. Given the front tyre wear pattern, a prospective buyer should prioritise a four-wheel alignment check and a close inspection of the front suspension geometry. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly from the lower control arms, top mounts, anti-roll bar links and thrust arms, and pay particular attention to any feeling of vagueness, wandering or tramlining in the steering, as these can indicate worn bushes, ball joints or bent components contributing to the outer-edge tyre wear. Inspect the inner and outer sidewalls of all four tyres carefully for cracking, bulges or uneven shoulder wear, and confirm the spare or emergency tyre repair kit is present and serviceable, particularly given the dangerous failure recorded on the nearside rear. For the braking system, the low annual mileage increases the likelihood of binding calipers or corroded brake discs, so on the test drive the vehicle should be driven from cold with smooth, progressive pedal inputs to detect any judder, vibration through the steering wheel, or pulling to one side under braking, all of which would suggest disc warping or a seized caliper slide mechanism. The brake pedal feel should be firm and responsive without excessive travel, and the handbrake should hold the vehicle securely on an incline as rear brake mechanisms on low-mileage vehicles are prone to seizing. Finally, inspect the underside of the vehicle on a ramp if possible, paying particular attention to the front subframe mounting points and suspension arms for any corrosion or impact damage, the condition of the brake pipes and flexible hoses for surface rust or cracking, and the exhaust system for any security or corrosion concerns given the diesel powertrain. The recorded MOT history is otherwise clean beyond the tyre issues, but the front wheel wear pattern warrants a thorough pre-purchase inspection of the suspension and alignment before committing to purchase.