2019 Mercedes-Benz E 1.9L Electric diesel · LP19 HMU

The 2.0-litre diesel E-Class typically returns around 50-60 mpg on a long run, though real-world figures in mixed driving are closer to 45 mpg. Road tax (VED) for a Euro 6 diesel of this age sits in a standard band, costing around £190 per year for vehicles over £40,000 new. Insurance is likely to be in group 30-38 depending on the specific trim, so expect premiums in the £600-£900 range for an experienced driver.

Annual maintenance costs on a high-mileage E-Class diesel typically run £1,200-£1,800, including routine servicing, tyres, and wear-and-tear items. Major services at Mercedes main dealers can exceed £600, though independent specialists usually charge £300-£450 for a full service. With 105,940 miles on the clock, budget for potential replacement of suspension components, brake discs, and possibly the DPF if it has not been regularly maintained.

Diesel AdBlue top-ups cost around £10-£15 per refill and are needed every 10,000-15,000 miles depending on driving style. Overall estimated annual running costs are likely in the £2,000-£2,600 range when factoring in fuel, tax, insurance, and maintenance.

Start with a thorough inspection of the underside of the vehicle — at this mileage, suspension components, control arm bushes, and anti-roll bar links commonly show wear. Jack the car up and check for any signs of oil leaks from the engine sump, transmission pan, or differential. Inspect the diesel particulate filter (DPF) by checking for warning lights and asking the seller about any recent regeneration issues or replacements.

On the test drive, pay close attention to the automatic gearbox behaviour — any hesitation, jerkiness, or delayed engagement could indicate impending 9G-Tronic problems. Test the air conditioning, heated seats, and all electronic seat adjustments, as motors and switches in the E-Class are known to fail. Listen for any clonks or knocks from the front suspension over speed bumps, which would suggest worn bushes or drop links.

Finally, check the condition of the tyres — uneven wear patterns can indicate tracking, suspension, or alignment issues. Inspect the brake discs for lipping and corrosion, and verify that the brake fluid and engine oil have been recently changed. A diagnostic scan with a Mercedes-compatible tool (such as STAR Diagnosis or iCarsoft MB II) would reveal any hidden fault codes that the MOT test does not cover.