2018 Mercedes-Benz E 1.9L Diesel · LS18 AAJ

A discernible pattern of wear centred on the front braking and steering/suspension hardware has emerged over the most recent MOT cycles, though the underlying roadworthiness picture is not yet alarming. The vehicle secured a clean pass on 27 May 2026 with no advisories, which is the strongest result it has posted for several years and indicates the previous advisory items were likely addressed. However, this clean result sits in the context of a Dangerous failure recorded on the same day as the 2025 pass, when the front brake pads were found to be below 1.5 mm thickness, alongside recurring advisories across 2023 and 2024 covering front suspension arm ball joint play, steering rack inner tie rod joint play, pitted rear brake discs, and tyres worn close to the legal limit on both edges. The trajectory is therefore one of improvement rather than deterioration, but the cluster of components historically flagged suggests the front axle is the area most likely to demand continued attention. Mileage accumulation of 89,925 miles across eight years equates to an average of roughly 11,241 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and class. There are no significant gaps in the testing record and no sudden mileage jumps that would suggest towing, track use, or odometer irregularity. The continuous annual testing at consistent intervals, combined with mileage progression in line with the average, points to regular but moderate use, meaning the major mechanical assemblies such as the engine, automatic transmission, and exhaust system have been worked sufficiently to avoid the issues associated with long stationary periods. Conversely, the brake and suspension items that have surfaced are entirely consistent with the wear expected at this mileage band on a heavy executive saloon, rather than indicating any abnormal usage. For a prospective buyer, the priority areas during inspection are the front brake system and the front suspension/steering linkages. The previous Dangerous failure on the front pads was a material event, so the current pad and disc condition on both sides should be measured for remaining friction material thickness, and the discs themselves examined for lipping and scoring. The 2023 advisories for the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint and the offside front steering rack inner tie rod joint warrant a close look during a road test; listen for clonking or knocking from the front end over broken surfaces, particularly on full lock, and feel for any vagueness, rattle, or self-centring issues through the steering wheel that would suggest renewed wear in those joints. With the wheels off the ground, manual play should be checked at the ball joint and the inner tie rod ends for any perceptible movement beyond the manufacturer tolerance. The rear axle also merits physical inspection given the 2024 advisory noting both rear inner brake discs as pitted or scored, and the 2023 advisory for rear disc wear. Pitting of this nature is typically caused by prolonged use of worn pads and can recur, so feel for any pedal pulsation or judder under firm braking from higher speed, and visually examine the inner disc surfaces for corrosion rings or a rough friction face. The tyre wear pattern flagged in both 2023 and 2024, specifically worn on both edges at the front and rear, is suggestive of either under-inflation or geometric misalignment, so confirm that all four tyres are of matching brand, size, and tread depth, and verify there is no uneven shoulder wear on the current set. Finally, with the engine running from cold, inspect the under-bonnet area, suspension subframe, and brake pipes for any surface corrosion or seepage, as these are the components most commonly flagged on executive saloons once they pass the 80,000 mile threshold.