2011 Mercedes-Benz E 3.0L Diesel · LM61 WEO

The vehicle currently holds a roadworthy status but the maintenance history reveals a concerning trend of reactive rather than proactive repairs. While the test in July 2025 at 145,365 miles passed, it followed an immediate failure due to a worn nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint and an offside front wheel bearing. This indicates that critical mechanical components were only addressed after failing, suggesting the previous owner prioritised the minimum requirements to pass the MOT rather than scheduled preventative maintenance. At 145,365 miles over approximately fifteen years, the car has averaged roughly 9,700 miles per year, which aligns with typical usage for a luxury saloon of this age. The data shows a consistent usage pattern, with approximately 3,700 miles covered between May 2023 and August 2024, and another 9,700 miles recorded between August 2024 and July 2025. This steady mileage suggests the vehicle is not sat for long periods, though it does explain the accelerated wear on the rubber bushes and suspension components seen in the record. A buyer must scrutinise the front suspension assembly closely, as the wheel bearing and ball joint have already shown signs of play. The July 2025 advisory also noted thin inner offside front brake pads and an offside rear tyre worn on the edge, which often points to an alignment issue or a binding caliper. Given the previous failure in 2023 regarding an inoperative engine management indicator light, a diagnostic scan is essential to ensure no other hidden fault codes remain that were cleared specifically for the test.