2017 Mercedes-Benz E 1.9L Diesel · N900 AEL

The most recent MOT test on 2026-03-13 confirms the vehicle remains roadworthy, though with a persistent and concerning trend of tyre wear. The near- and offside rear tyres were flagged as worn close to the legal limit and exhibiting edge wear, a recurrence of the same issue seen in the 2022 test at 54,918 miles. This suggests either repeated neglect of tyre rotation or alignment, or a consistent failure to replace tyres at the manufacturer-recommended intervals. The absence of other defects in the 2026 test indicates no immediate structural or mechanical failures, but the tyre pattern implies basic maintenance has been inconsistent. The mileage progression reveals a steady accumulation of approximately 9,500 miles annually, which is typical for a vehicle of this age. However, there is a notable gap between the 2024 test at 64,854 miles and the 2025 test at 84,708 miles—an increase of 19,854 miles in just over a year. While this is not excessive, it does indicate the vehicle was driven regularly rather than stored, which may accelerate wear on components like suspension bushes, brake pads, and drivetrain fluids. The most significant outlier is the front tyre wear recorded in the 2021 test at 36,999 miles, where all four tyres were flagged simultaneously. This suggests either a prolonged period of underinflation, misalignment, or a lack of tyre rotation during that ownership phase. A buyer should prioritise an in-person inspection of the tyre conditions, particularly focusing on the rear tyres, which have repeatedly approached the legal limit. Check for uneven wear patterns that could indicate suspension issues, such as worn coil springs or failing rear bushes. The front tyres, though no longer flagged, should be examined for residual edge wear or uneven tread depth, as the 2021 pattern suggests underlying alignment or balancing problems. Given the consistent rear tyre issues, inspect the rear wheel bearings for play and the brake calipers for binding or excessive heat discolouration, as these can contribute to uneven tyre wear. Additionally, verify the integrity of the exhaust system for leaks or corrosion, as this vehicle’s age increases the risk of catalytic converter or muffler failure, which often correlates with emission-related advisories. While the MOT history does not reveal any major structural failures or recurring advisories beyond tyres, the repeated tyre-related failures warrant scrutiny. The suspension components, particularly the rear, should be assessed for stiffness or fluid leaks, as these can exacerbate uneven tyre wear. A thorough brake system check—including disc thickness, pad condition, and hydraulic pressure—is essential, given that binding brakes are a common secondary effect of misaligned wheels. The most critical observation remains the tyre pattern: if the current tyres have been rotated or replaced since the 2026 test, this could mitigate immediate concerns, but if they remain the same, the vehicle may require urgent attention before further legal or safety risks arise.