2004 Mercedes ML 2.7L Diesel · RY04 YRF

The 2004 Mercedes ML presents a mixed maintenance trend, with a persistent oil leak indicating unresolved mechanical seepage. The most recent test on 27 September 2021 at 108,018 miles resulted in a pass, though the tester flagged an oil leak. Earlier that same day, the vehicle failed for a dipswitch fault that failed to extinguish the main beam headlamps, alongside the same oil leak. The recurrence of the oil leak across multiple tests suggests the previous owner deferred rectifying the underlying seal or gasket failure, treating it as a minor advisory rather than a progressive fault. The mileage accumulation is notably low for a vehicle of this age, averaging roughly 4,910 miles annually. Between the December 2018 test at 92,797 miles and the November 2020 test at 102,856 miles, the vehicle covered just over 10,000 miles across a twenty-three-month gap. Mileage then plateaued entirely, recording exactly 108,018 miles for both the failed and passed tests in September 2021. This stagnation over five years implies the vehicle has seen very limited use or potentially remained stationary for extended periods since 2021. A buyer must inspect the engine and undercarriage thoroughly for the source of the chronic oil leak, checking the rocker cover gaskets, crankshaft seals, and transmission housings for wetness or dripping. The 2019 test at 97,625 miles flagged a corroded offside rear brake pipe covered in grease, demanding a close examination of the entire braking system for structural integrity and fluid seepage. Given the recent stationary period, the condition of the tyres requires checking for flat spots and perished rubber. Suspension bushes and coil springs should be assessed for deterioration caused by standing under load, while the binding headlamp dipswitch requires electrical diagnosis to ensure proper beam alignment and switchgear function.