2013 Mercedes-Benz E 2.1L Diesel · RO63 VEM

The most recent DVSA examination on 3 October 2025 resulted in a Pass, although four advisories were issued covering front tyre wear close to the legal limit on both edges and corrosion of the nearside and offside rear brake pipes near the flexible hose unions. The trajectory across the recorded history is broadly stable rather than deteriorating, with annual passes dominating the timeline and only two failures, both subsequently rectified at retest. The earlier failure of a nearside rear coil spring in September 2021 is a single-event suspension component fracture and not indicative of a chronic pattern. Of greater long-term concern is the September 2024 Major failure of the nearside rear outer sub-frame due to serious corrosion weakening, which reflects a structural integrity issue that is common to W212 chassis Mercedes-Benz E-class cars of this age, particularly those exposed to winter road treatments. The recurrence of rear inner-edge tyre wear across multiple consecutive tests does, however, suggest an unresolved tracking or suspension geometry issue that warrants further investigation, while the newly recorded rear brake pipe corrosion marks the beginning of a maintenance concern that should be addressed before it progresses to a test failure. The recorded mileage of 79,896 miles on a 2013 vehicle equates to roughly 6,146 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a luxury saloon in its thirteenth year. There are no significant gaps in the MOT record and no evidence of long periods of standing that might accelerate corrosion through lack of use, nor are there signs of unusually high accumulation that would suggest rapid wear of major drivetrain components. The mileage progression appears steady and proportionate, meaning mechanical wear on items such as the automatic transmission, engine ancillaries and suspension should be consistent with the average rather than extreme. Given that the vehicle is now thirteen years old, however, age-related degradation of rubber, fluids, electrical components and corrosion-prone structural elements will become increasingly relevant irrespective of how many miles it has covered. Given the documented recurrence of inner-edge rear tyre wear, a prospective buyer should have the rear wheel alignment checked on a laser alignment ramp prior to purchase and should inspect all four tyres for uneven shoulder wear, as the pattern strongly suggests either worn rear suspension bushes, tired coil springs, or a misalignment that has not been corrected. On a test drive, listen for clonking noises from the rear suspension over uneven surfaces and pay particular attention to any wander, instability under braking, or sagging of the rear ride height when parked on level concrete. The 2021 coil spring fracture, combined with the 2024 sub-frame corrosion failure, suggests the rear suspension and structural mounting points on this vehicle deserve close visual inspection from underneath, ideally on a ramp, looking for surface rust, bubbling paint around suspension pick-up points, and any visible cracking or distortion of the sub-frame itself. The advisories relating to front and rear tyre cracking and perishing noted in 2023 and 2024 are typical of a vehicle of this age, as rubber compounds degrade through oxidation regardless of tread depth, so all four tyres should be examined for sidewall crazing and replaced as a matched set if any significant perishing is present. The brake pipe corrosion advisories from the 2025 test indicate the onset of surface oxidation on the rear brake lines, which commonly progresses to pinhole leaks and ultimately an MOT failure; a thorough inspection of all brake lines, particularly along the underside and around the rear axle, should be carried out along with replacement of the brake fluid, which on a thirteen year old vehicle is almost certainly overdue its two-yearly renewal. Additionally, it would be prudent to verify the service history stamps for the timing chain, oil and filter changes, coolant renewal, and automatic transmission fluid and filter service, and to load-test the twelve-volt battery and check the condition of the auxiliary drive belt and tensioner, as these are routine age-related service items on a Mercedes-Benz of this vintage.