2018 Mercedes-Benz E 1.9L Diesel · OV68 FOF

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance record shows a worsening trend regarding front suspension and steering components. While the most recent test in October 2025 at 57,578 miles passed, the flagged steering rack inner joints represent a persistent issue that first appeared in the previous year. The failure to rectify these defects despite the 7,400-mile interval between tests suggests a reactive approach to repairs rather than preventative mechanical care. The mileage pattern is consistent with an eight-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 7,200 miles per annum. The data shows steady usage growth from 27,193 miles in 2021 to 57,578 miles in 2025. However, the low annual mileage likely contributed to age-related degradation, as evidenced by the 2022 advisory at 32,317 miles where front tyres showed perishing and cracking. This indicates the car may sit for long periods, allowing rubber components to dry out despite low tread depth. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front end geometry to verify the extent of the steering rack and suspension wear. The 2024 test identified play in both nearside and offside front lower suspension arm ball joints, which followed the initial steering inner joint issues. The inspector should check for clunking over tight maneuvers or uneven tyre wear, which would indicate these components require immediate replacement. Given the history of perished rubber, the current state of all rubber bushings and tyre sidewalls is critical to ensure they have not suffered structural failure due to age.