2012 Mercedes-Benz C 2.1L Diesel · P22 CAV

Suspension component wear and brake system degradation represent the primary mechanical concerns for this vehicle, as evidenced by the most recent MOT test on 12 February 2026. While the car passed its latest inspection, the record shows a recurring pattern of advisories regarding front suspension arm bushes and tyre wear, alongside a previous failure related to headlamp aim. The history reveals a trend of escalating wear in the braking and suspension systems, moving from simple pad and disc advisories in 2023 to more significant issues, including a dangerous failure in 2024 where both rear service brakes showed no recorded effort. The recorded mileage of 100,799 miles over approximately 14 years indicates an average annual usage of roughly 7,200 miles. This level of mileage is consistent with typical low-to-moderate usage for a vehicle of this age. Mechanically, this suggests that while the drivetrain components may not have been subjected to high-frequency long-distance stress, the vehicle has likely experienced the effects of intermittent use, which can contribute to the degradation of rubber components such as the suspension bushes and anti-roll bar linkages noted in the records. A prospective buyer should pay close attention to the front end of the vehicle during a test drive to address the repeated advisories concerning the nearside and offside front suspension arm trailing arm bushes. You should listen for knocking, clunking, or creaking sounds when driving over uneven surfaces or speed bumps, and feel for any wandering or instability in the steering. The presence of worn tyres on the edges also suggests a potential need for a wheel alignment check to ensure that suspension geometry is correct and that new tyres will not suffer premature wear. The braking system requires thorough scrutiny given the history of dangerous failures and recent advisories regarding a smooth brake pedal. During the test drive, monitor the brake pedal feel for any sponginess, excessive travel, or pulsation, which could indicate air in the system or warped discs. Additionally, because the record notes previous issues with oil leaking excessively from the engine and pitted brake discs, you should inspect the engine bay for active leaks and check the condition of the brake discs and pads to ensure they are not excessively worn or scored beyond the advisory limits.