2007 Mercedes-Benz C 2.2L Diesel · PL57 BWH

The most recent MOT test, conducted on 2025-01-23, resulted in a failure due to persistent issues with the offside front position lamp not functioning, a supplementary restraint system (SRS) warning lamp indicating a fault, and continued tyre wear advisories. While earlier MOTs in 2024 and 2023 were clean, the trend over the past two years shows recurring defects, particularly around the front tyres, wheel bearings, and brake binding, alongside a notable failure in 2022 due to critically low rear tyre tread depths. This pattern suggests a lack of consistent maintenance, with some advisories persisting despite previous MOT approvals, indicating either ongoing neglect or underlying mechanical wear that requires immediate attention. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 130,100 miles at 19 years old represents a moderate annual usage rate of approximately 6,847 miles per year, which is within the expected range for its age. However, the absence of service records or significant mileage gaps raises concerns about prolonged periods of inactivity, which can exacerbate issues such as brake corrosion, suspension stiffness, and fluid degradation. Standing for extended periods can lead to brake disc corrosion or binding calipers, as seen in the 2021 MOT advisory, where near-side rear service brake binding was noted but not deemed excessive. Additionally, the wear patterns on the tyres, particularly the edge wear and cuts, suggest either underinflation, misalignment, or excessive steering angle use, which could accelerate further deterioration if unaddressed. Given the recurring MOT advisories and failures, the buyer should prioritise a thorough mechanical inspection focusing on the front suspension and wheel bearings, as slight play in the front wheel bearings was flagged in multiple tests. Listen for clunking noises from the front suspension during cornering or over bumps, which may indicate worn suspension bushes or coil spring failure. Check for uneven tyre wear, which could point to misalignment or steering component issues, and verify that the front position lamp and SRS warning lamp are resolved. The binding rear service brakes from 2021 should be addressed to prevent potential brake failure, and the missing rear road wheel fixings from 2021 must be repaired to ensure structural integrity and safe operation. For the tyres, despite the advisories, the wear patterns suggest the vehicle has not been driven at high speeds or subjected to harsh conditions, but the edge wear and cuts indicate potential neglect in tyre maintenance. Inspect the tyres for sidewall perishing or cracking, which can compromise tyre integrity at high speeds, and ensure they are replaced before reaching the legal minimum tread depth of 1.6mm. The front tyres, in particular, should be replaced if the edge wear or cuts are deemed unsafe, as they can lead to hydroplaning or sudden blowouts. Additionally, given the vehicle’s age, check the 12V battery for signs of weakness or corrosion, as standing vehicles can drain batteries over time. Finally, the fluid servicing should be reviewed, with brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid replaced every 2–3 years, regardless of mileage, to prevent degradation from prolonged exposure to the elements.