2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC 2.0L Petrol · LM68 XON

The Mercedes-Benz GLC passed its most recent MOT on 25 March 2026 at 64,728 miles, but the tester flagged slight play in both front lower suspension arm ball joints. This is a notable escalation. The previous test in April 2025 at 61,846 miles recorded zero defects. A clean bill of health deteriorating into a front-end suspension advisory within a twelve-month window suggests a developing mechanical issue rather than a long-standing fault. The maintenance trend is currently worsening in this specific area. The mileage accumulation is steady and typical for an eight-year-old vehicle. Between February 2023 at 35,204 miles and March 2026 at 64,728 miles, the car covered roughly 29,500 miles in just over three years, averaging around 9,800 miles per year during that period. This is slightly above the 8,091 miles-per-year lifetime average, indicating the car has been used more intensively in recent years. That increased usage likely accelerated wear on consumable and structural components, particularly given the front suspension advisory that has now emerged. A buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the front suspension and steering geometry. Play in both nearside and offside lower arm ball joints points to possible deterioration of the front-end bushes and joints as a set, which can cause uneven tyre wear and vague steering. The February 2025 advisory for a worn nearside front tyre edge supports this, suggesting the suspension wear may already be affecting wheel alignment. Have a garage put the car on a lift and check for play in the track rod ends, drop links, and anti-roll bar linkages. The braking system also warrants close attention. In February 2024 at 39,109 miles, both front outer and rear inner brake pads were flagged as wearing thin, yet no brake-related advisories appeared in the subsequent two tests. This could indicate the pads were replaced, but a buyer should verify pad thickness and condition of the brake discs and calipers, particularly at the rear, where binding calipers are a known issue on this platform. Inspect the underside for corrosion around suspension mounting points and the rear subframe, as the GLC can develop surface corrosion in these areas that is not always visible without a ramp.