2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 3.0L Diesel · OU66 NDN

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE presented a PASS at its most recent DVSA MOT test conducted on 22 September 2025, with two advisories noted relating to the tyres, and there are no recorded failures or refusals anywhere within the visible test history. Across the last seven annual tests, every entry is a pass, and the only blemishes are minor tyre advisories recorded intermittently in 2020, 2023, and 2025. This pattern suggests a broadly stable and conscientious maintenance history, with no progressive structural, braking, suspension, or lighting deterioration flagged by the examiner. The fact that the same advisory appears, disappears, and then returns points to consumable replacement rather than any underlying mechanical or alignment fault. With 75,253 miles recorded on a ten-year-old vehicle, the average annual mileage works out at roughly 7,500 miles, which is slightly below the typical UK figure of 8,000 to 10,000 miles and consistent with mixed urban and motorway use. There are no large unexplained gaps or sudden spikes in the recorded mileages that would suggest a clocked history, and the rate of accumulation between tests is broadly even. This relatively moderate usage is generally favourable for major mechanical components such as the engine, automatic transmission, and four-wheel-drive system, but lower annual mileage often correlates with shorter journeys and longer periods of standing, both of which can accelerate calendar-based degradation of items such as the 12V battery, brake discs, coolant, and brake fluid, while reducing the heat cycling needed to keep the diesel particulate filter or catalytic system in prime condition. Because the MOT record is clean aside from the tyre advisories, attention during a physical inspection should focus on age-related deterioration rather than any specific component failure trend. Inspect all sidewalls and tread areas very carefully for perishing, cracking, or bulging, particularly on tyres manufactured more than five years ago, as the repeated advisories for edge wear and perishing suggest this vehicle may be prone to inner or outer shoulder wear that points to suspension geometry or tracking issues. Check that all four tyres are of matching make, size, and at least the same tread depth across each axle, as staggered fitment is common on GLE models. On the test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, as the air suspension fitted to many GLE variants can develop air spring leaks, compressor failure, or strut knocking with age. Feel for vibration through the steering wheel under braking, which would indicate warped front brake discs, and listen for any scraping or grinding from the rear calipers, which are known to seize on Mercedes vehicles that see light or infrequent use. Given the vehicle is now ten years old, several non-MOT but mechanically critical items warrant scrutiny. Verify the service book history to confirm that the nine-speed automatic transmission fluid, engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and four-wheel-drive transfer case and differential oils have all been changed at the manufacturer-recommended intervals, as these are time-sensitive services that do not always align with MOT dates. Check the condition of the auxiliary 12V battery by ensuring the vehicle starts promptly without slow cranking, as Mercedes battery monitoring systems can mask a failing battery until control modules begin to throw warnings. Inspect under the bonnet and beneath the vehicle for any signs of oil or coolant seepage around the sumps, coolant pipes, and turbocharger oil lines, which are common on higher-mileage diesel GLEs. Finally, confirm the operation of the air suspension, the infotainment and COMAND system, all cameras and parking sensors, and the electric tailgate, as rectification of these convenience and chassis systems outside of MOT scope can prove costly on this model.