1998 Mercedes-Benz E 3.0L Diesel · R705 BKU

The vehicle currently holds a roadworthy status, but the recent history indicates a sharp decline in maintenance standards. While it passed its latest test in May 2026 at 96,119 miles, this followed a comprehensive failure just one month prior at 96,024 miles. The failure record reveals a significant volume of mechanical and electrical defects, ranging from lighting and emissions issues to structural brake corrosion, suggesting that the vehicle has only received the minimum repairs necessary to pass testing rather than following a proactive maintenance schedule. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 28-year-old Mercedes, averaging approximately 3,400 miles per year. There is a conspicuous seven-year data gap between September 2019 and April 2026, during which the car covered only 3,307 miles. This pattern suggests the vehicle likely sat stationary for long periods, which often leads to the degradation of rubber components, the seizing of brake mechanisms, and the pitting of metal surfaces—all of which are evidenced by the specific faults recorded in the April 2026 test. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the braking and suspension systems. The April 2026 test flagged excessive corrosion on the rear brake pipes and the load-sensing valve, alongside pitted and scored discs across all wheels and thin pads. The presence of an excessively worn bush on the offside rear shock absorber indicates that the suspension is reaching the end of its life despite the low mileage. Furthermore, the BAS/ASR fault and failed headlamp leveling devices require professional electrical diagnostics to ensure these safety systems are fully rectified beyond merely clearing fault codes.