2008 Mercedes-Benz E 3.0L Diesel · OY58 AEK

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a trend of reactive repairs rather than proactive upkeep. While the most recent test in January 2026 at 126,698 miles passed, it flagged immediate advisories for worn tyres on the nearside front and rear and non-structural corrosion on the nearside front wheel arch. The history of recurring failures in brake lines and suspension components suggests that parts are often only addressed once they reach a point of inspection failure. The mileage pattern is remarkably consistent for an 18-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 7,000 miles per year. There is a notable gap in records between December 2020 and January 2021 where the car covered only 2,219 miles, yet it passed without defects. Since 2021, the usage has increased slightly, covering roughly 8,000 miles per annual interval. This steady usage suggests the car has not been stationary for long periods, which generally helps protect rubber components and metal surfaces from excessive seizing. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the braking system and suspension, as the record shows a persistent issue with brake pipe corrosion. The vehicle failed in 2018, 2019, and 2020 due to excessive corrosion on multiple brake lines, indicating the environment or material quality is prone to rapid oxidation. Furthermore, the suspension has shown a history of wear, with ball joints, drag links, and steering rack inner joints flagged multiple times. The buyer should check for any play in the front steering and suspension arms to ensure the previous repairs have held or require immediate attention. The structural integrity of the nearside front wheel arch noted in the 2026 test requires close monitoring. Although currently non-structural, surface rust on older Mercedes-Benz models can quickly progress into the chassis members. Given the frequent reports of tyres worn close to the legal limit, the buyer should also verify the current alignment of the vehicle, as uneven wear noted in 2024 and 2026 could indicate underlying geometry issues or worn suspension bushings.