2010 Mercedes-Benz ML 3.0L Diesel · PJ59 HCD

The most recent MOT test on 2026-02-07 confirms the vehicle passed without recorded defects, though the preceding history reveals a pattern of deferred maintenance rather than outright neglect. Between 2023 and 2024, the car failed twice—once for electrical faults and binding brakes, the other for a non-functioning seatbelt and exposed tyre ply—before passing in December 2024 with persistent issues including distorted front brake discs, corroded handbrake cables, and oil leaks. The February 2026 pass suggests these problems were either overlooked or temporarily resolved without addressing root causes, such as worn suspension bushes or seized calipers. The absence of major structural advisories in recent tests does not obscure the fact that recurring brake and cable failures indicate a vehicle that has been driven despite critical wear, rather than one that received consistent, professional attention. The mileage progression of roughly 10,670 miles annually is typical for its age, though the gap between the 2023 and 2024 tests—just 14 days—suggests the vehicle was moved to pass a test rather than for regular use. The 170,715-mile figure at the latest test aligns with the 168,110-mile mark from December 2024, indicating minimal additional wear since the last failure. There are no extended periods of inactivity or rapid mileage spikes, but the lack of intermediate servicing records means wear on components like coil springs, steering dampers, and drivetrain joints could be advanced beyond what the MOT reveals. A buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the rear brake system, particularly the handbrake cables and discs, which have shown consistent corrosion and pitting. The front brake discs’ distortion in multiple tests warrants checking for warping or uneven wear, while the oil leaks near the engine bell housing imply potential issues with the rear main seal or differential. Suspension components—especially the rear bushes and shock absorbers—should be examined for dry rot or excessive play, as these are often overlooked until failure. Electrical faults, including the non-working indicator and stop lamps from 2023, should be tested for continuity, and the exposed tyre ply indicates a need for thorough tread and sidewall inspection. The seatbelt failure from 2024 is a red flag for structural integrity, so the retractor mechanism and anchor points must be verified.