2011 Mercedes-Benz E 2.1L Diesel · LP60 AMO

The most recent DVSA MOT test on 19 April 2024 resulted in a PASS, although the vehicle had failed on identical registration plates exactly one day prior. That earlier test produced several significant items: a Dangerous defect for an Offside Front tyre with ply or cords exposed, Major defects for Offside parking brake inoperative on one side and overall parking brake efficiency below requirements, plus a Major for the engine management Malfunction Indicator Lamp being inoperative or indicating a fault. The fact that the car passed the following day suggests remedial work was undertaken on the dangerous tyre and at least some of the brake faults, but a prospective buyer should not assume everything was resolved to a lasting standard. The advisories carried forward on the pass cover an Offside Rear tyre worn close to the legal limit and on edge, plus worn but not yet excessively moving front lower suspension arm pins or bushes on both sides. Taken overall, the pattern from the clean passes of 2022 and 2023 deteriorating sharply into a fail and borderline pass in 2024 suggests the maintenance trend is worsening rather than stable, and the braking, tyre and suspension items will require prompt verification. The recorded mileage of 155,644 miles over a 15-year life equates to an annual average of around 10,376 miles, which is broadly typical for a car of this age and is neither unusually low nor excessively high. There are no large unexplained gaps in the mileage progression between MOT entries, indicating consistent use rather than long periods of standing. This is a positive indicator, as regular running generally keeps the drivetrain, brakes and exhaust free from the corrosion and fluid degradation issues that affect stored vehicles. However, 155,000 miles is a substantial figure for any car and particularly for a Mercedes-Benz E-Class of this generation, where wear on major mechanical components such as automatic transmission torque converters, injector seals, suspension subframes, and engine mounts is to be expected. Prospective buyers should therefore expect that several thousand-pound service items, such as cambelt and balance shaft gear replacement on the diesel and petrol units of this era, may already be due or recently completed, and this should be verified through the service book. Given the recent advisory items and the prior fail, the front lower suspension arm pins or bushes should be a priority inspection point. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking over speed bumps, uneven bumps and when turning at low speed, and check for uneven or feathered tyre wear across the front axle. A careful visual inspection from beneath the car, ideally on a ramp, is required to assess the bushes for cracking, splitting, or excessive movement, as advisories of this nature typically progress to failure within a test cycle or two and will necessitate replacement of the relevant arms. The parking brake issue from the failed test is particularly concerning, as a single-sided parking brake inoperative fault often points to a seized rear caliper, a stretched or seized cable, or rear caliper actuator failure on electronic systems. Even though the car subsequently passed, the buyer should verify whether the rear calipers have been overhauled or rebuilt, and during the test drive confirm that the vehicle holds securely on an incline in both directions. The engine MIL fault also warrants diagnostic investigation, as a recheck the next day could simply mean codes were cleared rather than the underlying emissions or sensor fault being rectified. A pre-purchase OBD scan should be carried out and live data reviewed for pending codes. Beyond the recorded defects, this age and mileage of Mercedes-Benz E-Class requires attention to items that MOT testing alone does not fully cover. The 12V auxiliary battery, particularly if original or over five years old, should be load tested, as Mercedes vehicles of this generation are sensitive to voltage drop and a failing battery can produce spurious warning lights and electrical faults. Brake discs and calipers on a high-mileage car frequently suffer corrosion at the disc edges and binding caliper slides, so a spongy pedal, pulling under braking, or shudder through the steering wheel on the test drive would indicate need for disc and pad replacement along with caliper servicing. Time-based fluid services should be confirmed regardless of mileage, including brake fluid (typically every two years due to its hygroscopic nature), coolant (every four to five years), and automatic transmission fluid and filter if not recently serviced, as Mercedes automatic gearboxes are intolerant of neglected fluid. Finally, inspect the underside carefully for corrosion on suspension components, subframe mounting points, and brake and fuel lines, as a 15-year-old car, even one used regularly, will have accumulated underbody surface oxidation that should be monitored.