1998 Mercedes-Benz 312 2.9L Diesel · S284 FTV

The vehicle currently holds a valid MOT pass dated 25 June 2026 at 155,391 miles, yet the record shows a worsening maintenance trend. Six days earlier on 19 June 2026 at 155,262 miles the van failed on a broken brake load sensing valve linkage, nearside rear service brake binding, nearside front brake fluctuation, below-spec parking brake efficiency and rear axle brake imbalance, alongside the same front lower suspension arm ball joint play noted previously. The owner corrected the safety-critical brake faults within the week, but the repeated front ball joint advisories across three consecutive years signal an unresolved wear pattern rather than a one-off. Recorded mileage sits at 155,391 against a 1998 build, an average of roughly 5,550 miles per year. The van covered 22,664 miles between the June 2024 test at 124,116 miles and the June 2025 test at 146,780 miles, then only 8,611 miles in the following year to June 2026. Low overall use for its age suggests extended standing periods, which typically accelerates corrosion and brake seizure rather than consumable wear. A buyer should physically inspect the front lower suspension arms and ball joints, flagged with slight play at every test from June 2025 through June 2026; the play is stable but progressive. The June 2025 record showed both front-to-rear brake pipes corroded and coated in grease, a cheap掩盖 that hides underlying rust and demands visual stripping back. Confirm the load sensing valve linkage is sound and the rear brakes free, given the June 2026 binding and imbalance faults were only just rectified. Check all lighting circuits before purchase. The June 2025 failure listed dead position lamps, inoperative headlamp levelling, low beam aim and a failed rear fog lamp, suggesting electrical neglect rather than accident damage. Tyres wore to the legal edge on the near front and offside rear by June 2025 but passed by June 2026, so verify current tread and sidewall condition given the van's age.