2012 Mercedes-Benz C 2.1L Diesel · LS12 BAU
2012 Mercedes-Benz C (2.1L, diesel). First registered 01/03/2012. Recorded mileage 49,861 miles. MOT status: Expired. Taxed until 01/03/2027.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ C
- Year / Origin
- 2012 · Wimbledon (South London)
- MOT Status
- Valid until 02/08/2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/03/2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 49,861 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 2.1L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- DIESEL
- Year
- 2012
- Engine
- 2143cc
LS12 BAU Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 28/07/2025
- 49,861 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
LS12 BAU Mileage History
- 16/09/202228,731 mi
- 04/08/202330,162 mi+1,431 mi
- 31/07/202444,789 mi+14,627 mi
- 28/07/202549,861 mi+5,072 mi
- 28/07/202549,861 mi
Average of roughly 7,379 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
LS12 BAU MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (LS12 BAU) between September 2022 and July 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 28 July 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (2 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Steering (1 issue), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 6 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
A strong recommendation for buyers seeki
Given the very low annual mileage, it is essential to verify the service history to ensure oil changes were performed at regular intervals regardless of distance, as diesel engines can be prone to sludge when under-utilised. Check for any signs of brake disc corrosion or perished rubber components, which can occur on vehicles that spend long periods stationary.
Negotiate based on the age of the vehicle, but recognise that the low mileage adds significant value. Ensure that all electronic systems are functioning correctly, as low-use premium cars can occasionally develop dormant electrical faults.
The 2.1L diesel engine is designed for efficiency, particularly on longer journeys, though urban fuel economy will be lower. Tax and insurance will be aligned with its 2012 registration and diesel emissions bracket, which is typically higher than modern equivalents.
Maintenance costs for the C-Class are generally moderate, though parts for the premium Mercedes-Benz range can be more expensive than for mass-market brands. Annual costs including fuel, tax, insurance, and routine servicing are estimated to be mid-range for an executive car.
While this specific vehicle has no defects recorded in its recent MOT history, buyers should specifically inspect the suspension arms and tyres, as these are the most common failure points for this model across aggregate data. Check the headlamps for any clouding or failure, as this is another frequent issue for the C-Class.
Inspect the underbody for any signs of corrosion and check the condition of the silver paintwork for age-related fading or stone chips. A physical check of the tyre tread depth is advised, despite the low mileage, to ensure they have not perished due to age.
This silver 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class diesel has covered 49,861 miles as of July 2025, which is significantly below the average for its age. The MOT record shows consistent passes from 2022 to 2025, with only one failure recorded on the same day as its most recent pass. It presents as a rare, low-usage example of the 2148cc diesel variant.
The C-Class demonstrates a solid reliability profile with an average MOT pass rate of 82.2% across 419,691 analysed vehicles.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (LS12 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as LS12BAU.
AUDI
A3 S LINE 30 TFSI
MINI
ONE D
PEUGEOT
207
PEUGEOT
107
PEUGEOT
PARTNER
PEUGEOT
308
PEUGEOT
308
PEUGEOT
207
PEUGEOT
308
PEUGEOT
207
PEUGEOT
207
PEUGEOT
207