2004 Mercedes S400 4.0L Diesel · R5 CXY

The vehicle currently presents an unroadworthy status, showing a clear trend of worsening mechanical condition. The most recent test on 9 October 2025 at 325,396 miles resulted in multiple critical failures, including a major exhaust leak on the nearside silencer and significant brake pipe corrosion. While the vehicle passed in November 2024, the subsequent failure less a year later indicates that underlying issues have not been addressed or that the degradation of components is progressing at an accelerated rate. At 22 years old, the recorded mileage of 325,396 miles represents high annual usage, averaging approximately 14,800 miles per year. There is a notable period of rapid accumulation between January 2023 (310,730 miles) and November 2024 (324,621 miles), where the car covered over 14,000 miles in under twenty months. This high mileage profile places extreme strain on heavy-duty components, which is reflected in the recurring mechanical failures noted throughout the service history. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the braking and suspension systems. The history shows persistent corrosion on both front brake pipes which has been covered in grease, potentially masking the extent of the structural metal decay. Furthermore, the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint dust cover was flagged as severely deteriorated in 2024, and general corrosion to suspension components was noted in 2025. The presence of an ABS warning lamp and recurring coolant and power steering leaks suggests that the engine bay and safety systems require a professional diagnostic assessment. The exhaust system is in a state of advanced failure with a major hole in the silencer and widespread corrosion. Additionally, the frosted headlamp lenses and inoperative registration lights require immediate attention. Given the high mileage and the combination of fluid leaks and structural rust, the vehicle carries a significant risk of unforeseen repair costs to bring it to a reliable roadworthy standard.