2005 Mercedes-Benz E 3.0L Diesel · MP55 AOD

The 2005 Mercedes-Benz E passed its most recent MOT on November 11, 2025, though the maintenance trend reveals a worsening pattern of deferred repairs. The tester flagged multiple advisories on this latest pass, including front brake pads wearing thin, pitted and scored front brake discs, and perishing tyres on three corners. Just the day before, the vehicle failed the same test due to an inoperative engine malfunction indicator lamp and excessive play in the nearside front wheel bearing. The recurring nature of these defects, particularly the wheel bearing and engine MIL, indicates the previous owner neglected fundamental mechanical issues rather than resolving them outright. Covering roughly 4,802 miles per year over its 21-year lifespan, this E-Class has recorded low mileage that suggests lighter use or prolonged periods of inactivity. The MOT records show a steady accumulation from 92,925 miles in November 2023 to 97,880 miles in November 2024, and finally to 100,846 miles in November 2025. This equates to approximately 5,000 miles over the last two years, confirming consistent but light annual use. Sparse mileage often masks the deterioration of perishable components like rubber tyres and brake pipes, which aligns with the cracking sidewalls and corroded brake pipes noted in the records. A buyer must inspect the structural integrity of the undercarriage and braking components before purchasing. The 2023 test flagged corrosion on both rear brake pipes covered in grease, a temporary fix that suggests ongoing rust management issues rather than proper replacement. The front brake discs have been consistently worn and pitted across multiple tests, meaning replacement is imminent. Examine the nearside front wheel bearing closely for play, as this defect caused a failure in both 2024 and 2025 yet appears to have only received a temporary patch or was ignored entirely. The perishing tyres and damaged obligatory mirror also point to a vehicle that has sat idle for extended periods, requiring thorough checks of the exhaust emissions system due to the persistent engine MIL fault.