2015 Mercedes-Benz E 2.1L Diesel · S26 AAW

A consistent pattern of tyre and rear brake wear has emerged on this 2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class across its recorded MOT history, with the most recent pass on 9 January 2026 carrying advisories for both rear brake pads wearing thin and a nearside rear child seat obstructing belt inspection. The braking system has been a recurring theme: rear inner brake pad wear was flagged in January 2025, and now both rear pads are noted as thin, suggesting a progressive deterioration that will likely require replacement in the near term. Tyres have been the most prominent failure point overall, with two major defects recorded on 12 January 2024 for cuts exceeding ply depth on both rear tyres, followed immediately by a clean pass three days later, and then further advisories in January 2025 for edge wear and additional cuts on both front tyres. Outside of these items, the record is notably clean, with passes in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 all recorded with no defects, indicating that the core mechanical and structural components have not raised concern at test. With 78,719 miles accumulated over approximately eleven years, this vehicle averages around 7,156 miles per year, which sits within a broadly typical range for its age and class. The annual MOT tests have been conducted regularly each January from 2020 onwards with no significant gaps in testing history, suggesting the vehicle has remained in consistent use rather than being laid up for extended periods. This steady usage pattern, combined with the lack of any structural, suspension, corrosion, or emissions advisories across all recorded tests, points to a drivetrain and chassis that has seen reasonable working life without the moisture, oil stagnation, or seized component issues that often affect lower-mileage or irregularly-used vehicles. For a prospective buyer, the immediate priorities should centre on the rear braking system and tyre condition. Both rear brake pads were flagged as wearing thin at the most recent test, so a physical inspection should confirm remaining friction material thickness and the condition of the rear discs, as worn pads paired with grooved or lipped discs will necessitate a more comprehensive overhaul. On a test drive, listen for any grinding, squealing, or pulsation through the brake pedal, and check for the vehicle pulling to one side under braking, which could indicate a binding rear caliper given the pad wear pattern. The handbrake should be tested on an incline to confirm it holds without excessive travel, and the rear caliper slide pins and carriers inspected for corrosion or seized operation. Tyres warrant equal scrutiny, given the pattern of edge wear and cuts on both axles over the last two tests. Uneven inner and outer edge wear on the front pair in January 2025 can indicate suspension geometry issues, camber misalignment, or worn front suspension components such as wishbone bushes, track rod ends, or top mounts, so the front suspension should be examined for play and the tyres checked for any feathering or stepped wear patterns. With the rear tyres having previously failed for cuts deep enough to reach the ply, a careful inspection of the current set for sidewall damage, bulges, or exposed cord is essential. Finally, although no corrosion advisories appear in the record, a walkaround paying particular attention to the wheel arches, subframe mounting points, and underbody seam joints would be prudent on any eleven-year-old Mercedes, listening on the test drive for any clonks, knocks, or looseness over uneven road surfaces that might suggest developing suspension wear not yet flagged at test.