2015 Mercedes-Benz E 2.1L Diesel · RF65 FEP

The most recent MOT test, conducted on 13 April 2026, resulted in a pass for this 2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, though a minor defect was noted for an inoperative nearside rear registration plate lamp alongside an advisory regarding a fitted undertray. Reviewing the broader DVSA history reveals a broadly stable maintenance trend, with the vehicle passing every annual test since its first entry in January 2019. However, a close look at the sequence shows that the rate of advisory and minor defects has increased in the most recent tests, transitioning from completely clean records in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2023 to multiple advisories in 2022 and 2024. This pattern suggests the vehicle is entering a phase where wear-related items are beginning to surface more frequently, which is entirely consistent with the accumulated mileage and age of a premium executive saloon. With 96,248 recorded miles over approximately eleven years, this E-Class averages around 8,750 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the typical usage bracket for a vehicle of this profile. There are no glaring anomalies such as significant mileage gaps that would imply extended periods of standing or unusually rapid accumulation that would point to motorway fleet use. The mileage progression between tests is steady and consistent, indicating regular driving rather than intermittent or short-journey-only use, which is mechanically favourable as it helps prevent issues associated with cold starts, condensation in fluids, and brake disc corrosion from prolonged standing. Given the advisory relating to slight play in the nearside front wheel bearing recorded in November 2022, this is an item that warrants direct attention during a pre-purchase inspection. Wheel bearing wear is progressive, so any humming or droning noise that rises with vehicle speed, or a discernible change in direction under braking, would suggest the bearing has deteriorated further since the advisory was issued. Similarly, the advisories for both rear tyres being worn close to the legal limit and on their edges in November 2024 indicate that the rear axle geometry or suspension components may be contributing to uneven wear patterns, and a test drive over uneven surfaces should be used to listen for any clonks or knocks from the rear suspension, particularly over speed bumps, which could point to worn bushes or tired coil springs. The minor lamp defect is a trivial electrical fix, but verifying that all other exterior lighting functions correctly, including the offside rear plate lamp, remains a sensible precaution. Beyond the recorded advisories, a vehicle of this age and mileage requires a diligent physical inspection covering time-sensitive components irrespective of their appearance on the MOT record. The brake discs, particularly on a Mercedes of this vintage, are susceptible to corrosion on the inner and outer faces and to binding calipers if the car has seen any extended standing, so a thorough test drive should include firm pedal applications from speed to confirm straight-line stability and the absence of brake shudder through the steering wheel. The 12V battery health should be checked, as auxiliary and starter batteries in modern Mercedes vehicles often require replacement between seven and ten years of age. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall cracking and perishing from age-related rubber degradation even if the tread depth remains legal, and a comprehensive service history verification is essential to confirm that brake fluid, coolant, transmission fluid, and the diesel or petrol fuel system, depending on the variant, have been refreshed at their manufacturer-recommended calendar intervals. Finally, given the repeated advisories regarding undertrays obscuring components, a ramp inspection would be highly advisable to confirm the structural integrity of the subframe, suspension arms, and exhaust system free from corrosion or fluid leaks that might otherwise be hidden.