2008 Mercedes 816 4.3L Diesel · NK58 AVT

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, having passed its most recent MOT on 11 August 2025 at 375,502 miles. The maintenance trend appears stable, though the record shows a shift from clean passes in 2021 and 2022 toward a pattern of minor advisories in more recent years. The latest test flagged a beam pattern issue with the nearside headlamp, which is a common adjustment fault rather than a mechanical failure. The mileage is exceptionally high for an 18 year old vehicle, averaging over 20,000 miles per year. This heavy usage is evident in the rapid accumulation of distance between tests. Between September 2021 and September 2022, the vehicle covered 22,780 miles. A similar trend continued into 2023, with 15,805 miles added by August. Such high mileage typically accelerates the wear of drivetrain components and chassis stress points. A physical inspection should prioritise the chassis and suspension. The August 2023 test at 343,569 miles specifically flagged worn rearmost spring eye bushes on axle 2. While the vehicle passed, these leaf spring fixings are critical for load stability and should be checked to see if they have since deteriorated or been replaced. The August 2024 test at 359,605 miles noted an engine oil leak. A buyer must verify the source and severity of this leak to determine if it indicates a failing gasket or a more serious internal engine seal issue. Given the high mileage and age, the buyer should also scrutinize the vehicle for structural corrosion, particularly around the chassis rails and cross-members, as these are not explicitly mentioned in the clean 2021 and 2022 records but are common failure points for this model. The consistent pass rate suggests a baseline of care, but the emerging advisories regarding oil leaks and suspension bushes signal that the vehicle is entering a phase of increased component fatigue.