2009 Mercedes-Benz E 3.0L Diesel · MT59 AED

The vehicle currently holds a roadworthy status, but the history reveals a pattern of reactive maintenance rather than proactive care. The most recent test in June 2024 at 116,565 miles passed with only a minor advisory for a damaged windscreen. This followed a significant failure in August 2023 where the car exhibited multiple safety-critical defects. While the immediate mechanical issues appear to have been addressed, the recurring nature of certain faults suggests that components are only replaced once they reach the point of failure. At 17 years old, the recorded mileage of 116,565 miles represents an average usage of approximately 6,857 miles per year, which is consistent with an older luxury-oriented vehicle. The data shows a steady progression in mileage, with roughly 8,100 miles covered between August 2022 and August 2023, and another 4,000 miles between August 2023 and June 2024. This consistent use suggests the vehicle is driven regularly, though the age of the car increases the degradation of rubber and metal components despite the relatively low mileage. A buyer must closely inspect the front suspension and braking system. The 2023 failure highlighted severe deterioration of both front anti-roll bar linkage ball joints and an offside lower suspension arm ball joint. Furthermore, the front brake pipes have been flagged for corrosion since at least 2022, indicating a persistent environmental issue. The buyer should verify if these pipes were replaced with new material or merely cleaned, as corrosion in brake lines can lead to sudden hydraulic failure. The rear braking assembly and tyres also require attention. The August 2023 record noted thin pads, pitted discs, and tyres reaching the legal limit with uneven wear. Given the age of the Mercedes-Benz, an inspector should check for perished rubber in the bushings and structural rust on the chassis points not previously explicitly detailed. The presence of grease on corroded brake pipes in previous tests also suggests an attempt to hide rust from the tester, which warrants a thorough physical inspection.