2012 Mercedes-Benz C 2.1L Diesel · MJ12 FUD

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a trend of recurring mechanical faults that require proactive attention. The most recent test in October 2025 at 126,686 miles passed after a failure just two miles prior due to high exhaust emissions and suspension wear. While the car is legal, the persistence of worn nearside and offside rear suspension arm bushes indicates that these chassis components are beginning to reach the end of life and have not been addressed. At 126,686 miles over 14 years, the car averages approximately 9,000 miles per annum, which aligns with typical annual usage for a German saloon of this age. The record shows consistent annual testing, with roughly 3,000 to 4,000 miles covered between each October test from 2023 to 2025. This regular usage suggests the vehicle has not suffered from long periods of stagnation, which can often cause rubber degradation, though the mileage places standard expected load on the drivetrain and braking systems. A buyer must specifically inspect the rear suspension, as the worn arm bushes were flagged in two consecutive October 2025 tests. These faults will eventually result in handling instability and uneven tyre wear if not replaced. The braking system also warrants a thorough check following the October 2024 failure for an inoperative parking brake on one side and low overall efficiency. You should verify that the parking brake mechanism has been fully adjusted and that the calipers are not seized or binding. The emissions failure in late 2025 suggests a potential engine management issue or a failing sensor that was rectified just before the retest. While the car passed, the buyer should monitor for increased smoke or erratic idling to ensure the issue remains stable. The presence of under trays and engine covers noted across several years is a positive sign for corrosion protection, but a physical inspection should still check for structural rust on the mounting points and subframes.