2016 Mercedes-Benz E 2.1L Diesel · M10 GAJ

The most recent MOT, carried out on 4 March 2026, was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle met the statutory safety and emissions standards at that date. Earlier in the record the car suffered two MOT failures, both in 2020 and one in 2022, each centred on tyre condition – exposed ply on the rear right and insufficient tread on the front left – but the subsequent passes in 2021, 2023, 2024 and now 2026 suggest that the tyre issues have been addressed and that the overall maintenance trend has moved from a period of concern to a presently stable state. At ten years old the odometer reads 179,592 miles, equating to an average of roughly 17,900 miles per annum. This is considerably above the typical UK average of 10‑12 000 miles per year for a vehicle of this age, implying a higher cumulative load on the engine, transmission, suspension, and braking components. The mileage pattern does not show any large gaps that would indicate prolonged storage, so the wear is likely to be continuous rather than intermittent, increasing the probability of age‑related fatigue in bushings, mounts and internal engine parts. Prospective buyers should give the tyre set the utmost scrutiny. Even though the latest MOT recorded no tyre faults, the history of exposed ply and tread‑depth warnings means that the remaining tyres may be approaching the end of their service life or could be suffering uneven wear from mis‑alignment or worn suspension bushes. Check each tyre for a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm across the entire width, look for sidewall cracking, bulges or any signs of delamination, and feel for vibration or a “shudder” when accelerating, which can betray a developing tyre or wheel‑balance issue. While on the road, listen for thumping or clunking that may indicate a failing rear tyre or a loose wheel nut, and watch for any pulling to one side that would point to alignment or suspension problems. Given the vehicle’s age and high mileage, a thorough inspection of the suspension and steering components is advisable; inspect the condition of the front and rear bushings, ball joints and tie‑rod ends for any looseness, cracking or excessive play. Examine the brake discs and pads for surface corrosion, glazing or uneven wear, and verify that the calipers move freely without binding. The 12‑volt battery should be tested for cranking amperage, as prolonged high‑mileage use often coincides with ageing electrolytes. Finally, confirm that the coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil have been changed in line with the manufacturer’s calendar intervals – typically every two to three years – because fluid degradation can lead to overheating, corrosion and reduced component life even on a vehicle that otherwise passes its MOT.