2010 Mercedes-Benz E 2.1L Diesel · OY60 ABZ

The most recent DVSA examination on 26 February 2025 recorded a PASS with no advisories or defects, which is the most reassuring outcome a prospective buyer could hope to see at this stage of the vehicle's life. However, a closer look at the broader test history reveals a somewhat inconsistent pattern that warrants cautious evaluation. Prior to the February 2025 pass, the vehicle failed an MOT on 28 January 2025 with no defects recorded against the test number, which is unusual and may suggest an administrative retest rather than a meaningful mechanical issue, or alternatively that the failure reasons were recorded against a separate entry. This is followed by clean passes in November 2022 and November 2023, separated by a further failed test on 19 November 2022 immediately preceding the same-day pass. The clustered nature of these pass and fail outcomes indicates a vehicle that is fundamentally serviceable but may have borderline components being addressed reactively rather than preventatively. Overall, the maintenance trend appears stable rather than improving, and any buyer should treat the clean February 2025 record as a current snapshot rather than a guarantee of underlying condition. The recorded mileage of 129,381 miles on a 2010 example represents an annualised average of approximately 8,086 miles, which is broadly typical for a luxury saloon of this vintage and suggests a mix of urban and longer-distance use rather than extremes of either. There is a notable gap in the MOT history between November 2023 and January 2025, during which no test is recorded, and this is consistent with the statutory exemption from MOT testing for vehicles registered in 2010, which became due for testing from 2022 onwards. The relatively even spacing of tests prior to that gap and the consistent annual mileage suggest the vehicle has been in regular, steady use rather than left standing for prolonged periods, which is mechanically favourable as it reduces the risk of seized brake calipers, perished rubber components, and brake disc corrosion from inactivity. Nevertheless, the higher overall mileage does place greater demand on wear items such as suspension bushes, coil springs, anti-roll bar links, and drivetrain mounts, all of which are known wear points on the W212 E-Class at this age and distance. Given the clean advisory history, a prospective buyer should shift focus from the MOT record towards age and mileage-related deterioration that the standard test does not always capture. Begin with a thorough inspection of all four tyres, paying particular attention to sidewall cracking, perishing, and any signs of uneven wear across the tread face, as the original specification run-flat tyres fitted to many E-Class models of this era have a limited service life regardless of tread depth and can be sixteen years old by now. Examine the brake discs for lipping, scoring, or surface corrosion, and verify that the calipers are releasing freely without binding, which can manifest as pulling to one side under braking or a hot wheel after driving. Check the condition of the suspension by pushing down firmly on each corner and listening for clonks or knocks over uneven road surfaces, as worn control arm bushes, drop links, and top mounts are common at this mileage. Inspect the exhaust system for corrosion at the mounting points, flex joint, and rear silencer, and look for any signs of oil leakage from the engine sump, valve cover gasket, or around the turbocharger if applicable. Beyond the mechanical inspection, attention should be given to time-based service items that deteriorate with calendar age rather than mileage. Verify the service book history and confirm that the cambelt, or in the case of certain diesel variants the timing chain, has been replaced at the manufacturer-recommended interval, as a sixteen-year-old vehicle should have had at least one and possibly two belt changes. Test the 12V battery under load, as batteries in vehicles used for moderate annual mileage often suffer from chronic undercharging and may fail without warning. Check the colour and clarity of the engine oil on the dipstick, and where possible confirm the age of the brake fluid, coolant, and automatic transmission fluid, as these hygroscopic fluids degrade with time and should be renewed every two to three years regardless of mileage. Finally, request a pre-purchase inspection from a Mercedes-Benz specialist or a technician familiar with the W212 platform, who can scan the central electronics for stored fault codes in systems such as the AIRMATIC suspension, the SBC brake system, and the COMAND infotainment, all of which are known weak points on this model.