2009 Mercedes-Benz E 3.0L Diesel · R4 VAL

The vehicle currently maintains a stable roadworthiness status, having passed its most recent inspection in October 2025 with no recorded defects. While the history shows a pattern of immediate failures followed by successful retests, the owner has demonstrated a willingness to rectify identified faults to achieve a pass. The transition from failures in late 2024 to a clean sheet in 2025 suggests that previous mechanical or safety concerns were actively addressed rather than allowed to deteriorate into a state of progressive neglect. At 171,157 miles over 17 years, the vehicle averages approximately 10,000 miles per annum, which aligns with typical UK averages for a car of this age. The data shows consistent usage patterns, with roughly 2,600 miles covered between the October 2023 and 2024 tests, and another 3,200 miles recorded prior to the most recent 2025 entry. This regular interval suggests the car is not sat for long periods, which helps prevent the internal degradation often associated with rubber components and fluid seals. A buyer should focus their physical inspection on the areas that caused the failures in 2023 and 2024. Although the specific defect codes are not listed in this summary, the recurring nature of these failures often points to wear on components like suspension bushes, brake hardware, or emission systems. Given the high mileage and age, a thorough check for structural corrosion on the subframe and exhaust integrity is essential. You should also look for signs of leaks or uneven wear on the shock absorbers to ensure that the repairs made following the MOT failures have held up under continued road conditions.