2017 Mercedes-Benz E 1.9L Diesel · R11 EAV

A pattern of recurring front and rear tyre issues defines the MOT history of this 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, with both extremities of the vehicle presenting recurring wear, cuts, and structural concerns across several tests. The most recent examination on 28 November 2025 recorded a pass but flagged deteriorating front and rear registration plates, both rear tyres worn close to the legal limit and on edge, and a slightly damaged nearside front tyre. This continues a trend visible from 2022 onwards, when a dangerous nearside front tyre bulge caused by separation or partial failure of structure led to a fail on 18 November 2022, accompanied by a major defect for a nearside front tyre cut exceeding ply depth. Front tyre cuts not reaching ply or cords appeared as advisories in 2022, 2024, and 2025, suggesting that tyre condition is the chronic weak point of this vehicle rather than any single isolated event. Aside from the tyre concerns and under-tray obscuration advisories noted in 2020 and 2022, the mechanical record contains no suspension, brake, corrosion, or lighting failures. With 34,878 miles recorded over approximately nine years, annual mileage averages around 3,875 miles, which is substantially below typical figures for a vehicle of this age. The recorded mileages between tests show no unusually rapid accumulation, with the odometer progressing steadily across the seven recorded examinations. Lower annual mileage of this nature generally correlates with reduced wear on major drivetrain items, clutch components, and brake friction materials, though it can also mean longer standing periods between use. The MOT record shows consistent annual testing with no multi-year lay-up, indicating the vehicle has remained in regular use despite the low overall mileage. For a prospective buyer, the priority on inspection should be a thorough examination of all four tyres and the wheels themselves. Given the history of nearside front structural failure and repeated cuts, the wheels should be checked for kerbing damage, buckling, or cracks at the rim edges, and the tyres inspected for uneven shoulder wear, sidewall integrity issues, and any remaining tread depth. The nearside front tyre in particular should be examined carefully for bulges, as a prior dangerous failure means any replacement tyre of the same age as the vehicle may share deterioration patterns. A test drive should include firm braking from moderate speed to check for any vibration through the steering wheel, which could indicate wheel run-out from kerb impact damage rather than brake disc issues, given that no brake defects have been recorded across the MOT history. Beyond the tyres, the repeated advisory that engine covers and under-trays obscure components is worth raising during any pre-purchase inspection, as it means several tests could not fully verify the condition of underbody components, oil leaks, or corrosion on structural members. A buyer should request that any inspecting technician remove these covers to confirm there is no oil seepage from the sump, valve cover gasket, or turbo oil feed lines, and to inspect the front subframe, suspension arms, and anti-roll bar bushes for any surface corrosion given the vehicle's age. The nearside and offside front suspension should be checked for knocking or clonking over uneven road surfaces, particularly indicating worn lower wishbone bushes or top mount bearings. With no recorded brake, exhaust, steering, or corrosion advisories across seven tests, the only mechanical narrative the records establish is a tyre and component-access issue, and addressing these items directly during the physical inspection will be the most productive use of a buyer's time.