2015 Mercedes-Benz E 2.1L Diesel · LP65 OXE

The most recent MOT test on 2024-10-12 resulted in a passing outcome, though it highlighted several advisories and minor faults that reflect ongoing wear and minor functional issues. The vehicle’s MOT history over the past six years demonstrates a pattern of recurring tyre wear advisories, particularly in 2019, which were deemed severe enough to strongly advise tyre replacement. While subsequent MOTs have shown no new tyre-related failures, the persistent edge and centre wear on the front tyres—particularly the near-side and off-side front tyres from 2019—suggests either underinflation, misalignment, or excessive load distribution over time. The near-side rear tyre wear from 2019, which reached the wear indicators and exhibited inner wall splitting, further indicates significant and potentially progressive tyre degradation. The absence of further tyre failures since then may imply that the underlying cause has either been addressed or stabilised, but the buyer should remain vigilant, as tyre wear can accelerate with continued use or environmental factors like road conditions or underinflation. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 125,355 miles at the time of this assessment is consistent with its age—approximately 11,396 miles per year, which is within the expected range for a 2015 model under typical UK driving conditions. However, the mileage data alone does not fully explain the severity of the tyre wear observed in 2019, as lower mileage vehicles can still exhibit significant wear if subjected to frequent acceleration, braking, or poor road surfaces. The absence of notable gaps in mileage accumulation suggests regular use, which could have contributed to the accelerated tyre degradation, particularly if the vehicle was driven in urban or mixed-terrain environments where tyre contact with the road is more dynamic. The suspension and drivetrain components, while not directly flagged in the MOT history, would be expected to show signs of wear commensurate with this mileage, though the absence of suspension-related failures in recent tests may indicate that the vehicle has been maintained adequately in that regard. For the prospective buyer, the most critical inspection focus should be the tyres, given the historical wear patterns and the strong advisories from 2019. The near-side and off-side front tyres, in particular, show severe edge and centre wear, with the inner tread de-void of material and outer side wall damage, which could compromise traction and handling. On a test drive, listen for uneven tyre noise, particularly when cornering or accelerating, as this may indicate misalignment or further wear progression. The buyer should also check for uneven tread wear on the rear tyres, which were also flagged in 2019, and consider replacing them if they have reached the legal limit or show signs of cracking and splitting. Beyond tyres, the loose near-side front plastic inner wing cover from 2019 should be addressed to prevent further damage to the bodywork or internal components, as a fixed cover can protect against debris and moisture ingress. Additionally, the worn but not excessively worn parking brake lever from 2024 should be inspected for proper function, as a binding or inefficient parking brake can lead to unnecessary wear on brake components or even failure to hold the vehicle securely. In terms of broader mechanical checks, the buyer should verify the vehicle’s suspension and alignment, as persistent tyre wear often points to misalignment or worn suspension bushes, coil springs, or struts. On a test drive, look for signs of clunking or rattling in the suspension, particularly when driving over bumps or at speed, which may indicate failing suspension components. The brake system should also be inspected for signs of uneven brake pad or disc wear, which could correlate with the tyre wear patterns. Given the vehicle’s age and mileage, the buyer should check for tyre sidewall perishing or cracking, which can occur from prolonged exposure to UV light and road salt, even if the tyres have not reached the legal tread depth. The 12V battery should be tested for voltage output and overall health, as older vehicles may struggle with cold starts or electrical systems due to battery degradation. Fluid levels, particularly the brake fluid, engine oil, and coolant, should be checked for freshness and contamination, as fluids degrade over time regardless of mileage. Lastly, the buyer should verify that the vehicle’s service history records are up to date, particularly for the timing belt, if applicable, and other critical intervals such as spark plugs, filters, and exhaust emissions servicing, as these are often calendar-based rather than mileage-dependent.