2018 Mercedes-Benz C 1.5L Petrol · LM68 XOE

The vehicle’s most recent MOT test on 2025-10-11 at 42,650 miles passed without defects, confirming it remains roadworthy for the time being. However, the history reveals a concerning trend in tyre maintenance, with two consecutive failures in November 2024—just two days apart—due to a near-failure tear on the nearside front tyre and excessive wear on the offside front tyre. While the 2025 test cleared all issues, this pattern suggests either a lack of proactive tyre rotation or replacement, or potential neglect of wheel alignment. No other recurring faults appear in the record, but the tyre failures indicate a critical area requiring immediate attention. The mileage progression of roughly 5,300 miles annually over eight years is unusually low for a vehicle of this age, particularly given the 2022-2023 gap where the odometer jumped from 22,774 to 32,473 miles—an increase of 9,699 miles in just under a year. This suggests extended periods of inactivity, which could accelerate wear on suspension bushes, coil springs, and fluid-based systems if the vehicle was stored without proper care. Conversely, the lack of higher mileage intervals reduces the likelihood of severe drivetrain or engine wear, but it does not absolve the need for thorough inspection of components prone to static damage, such as wheel bearings or exhaust system seals. Given the tyre failures in 2024, a buyer should prioritise a visual and functional inspection of all four tyres, checking for uneven wear, embedded debris, or signs of structural compromise. The rapid accumulation of mileage between 2022 and 2023 warrants scrutiny of suspension components—particularly the front coil springs, bushes, and track rod ends—for signs of fatigue or corrosion. Braking performance should be tested under controlled conditions, with attention to any binding calipers or uneven pad wear, as the 2024 failures hint at potential alignment or braking system inconsistencies. Finally, the extended storage periods imply a need to verify fluid levels (brake, power steering, coolant) and inspect for corrosion in wheel arches, underbody, and exhaust components, which are often overlooked in low-mileage vehicles.