2017 Mercedes-Benz E 1.9L Diesel · P4 RAR

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a worsening trend regarding suspension and braking components. While it passed the latest test in October 2025 at 46,258 miles, it previously failed due to an excessively worn nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint. This failure follows a progression from slight play in the same component noted in both 2023 and 2024, indicating that the previous owner deferred repairs on critical wear-and-tear items until they reached a point of failure. The mileage profile is notably low for a nine-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 5,140 miles per year. The car covered 7,054 miles between October 2023 and October 2024, and another 6,365 miles in the following year. While low annual mileage suggests less mechanical strain on the drivetrain and engine, long periods of standing can lead to the degradation of rubber-based components and dry seals, which likely aligns with the premature failure of the ball joint and defective wiper blades noted in the record. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension geometry to ensure the ball joint was replaced correctly and the October 2025 failure was fully rectified. The tester also flagged a slightly distorted nearside front road wheel and a worn tyre in the most recent test, both of which suggest potential alignment issues or previous impact damage. Furthermore, the front brake pads were recorded as thin in October 2025, requiring immediate attention to prevent rotor scoring. The recurring nature of the suspension arm faults suggests a reactive approach to maintenance rather than proactive care.