2018 Mercedes-Benz E 1.9L Diesel · S9 LTK

The vehicle’s most recent MOT test on 14 June 2025—just 13 months ago—confirmed full roadworthiness with no defects recorded at 47,183 miles. While this suggests the car passed its last inspection without major issues, the history reveals a concerning pattern of wheel-related failures. The near-side rear wheel fractured its inner bead in June 2023, a critical structural flaw that required immediate attention. That the car was then driven another 2,300 miles before the next test implies either a temporary fix or a lack of immediate replacement, raising questions about how such a serious component was managed. The subsequent tests in 2024 and 2025 showed no further wheel failures, but the 2024 tyre defects—near-side front tyre worn to 3mm and the offside front tyre with a damaged sidewall—indicate inconsistent maintenance. The absence of advisories in the most recent pass does not negate the need for scrutiny of wheel integrity and tyre condition. The recorded mileage of 47,183 miles over eight years—roughly 5,900 miles annually—is unusually low for a vehicle of this age, suggesting either minimal use or prolonged periods of inactivity. The gap between tests is consistent at approximately 12 months, but the sudden jump from 27,743 miles in June 2022 to 34,756 miles in June 2023—an increase of 7,013 miles in under a year—stands out as atypical. This spike could imply a change in ownership or a period of heavier use before returning to lower mileage. The lack of MOT failures between 2022 and 2023, despite this mileage surge, does not fully explain the wheel failure that emerged shortly after, which may point to pre-existing wear or a manufacturing defect in the wheel assembly. A buyer should prioritise an immediate inspection of the wheel assemblies, particularly the near-side rear, to confirm whether the fractured bead was repaired with an approved replacement or if the original wheel remains in service. The 2024 tyre defects suggest the front tyres may have been underinflated or driven on uneven surfaces, accelerating wear. Check for uneven tread depth, sidewall damage, or signs of patchwork repairs. The suspension components, including coil springs and bushes, should be examined for corrosion or excessive play, as these are common wear items that could exacerbate handling issues. Given the past wheel failure, the structural integrity of the wheel nuts and hubs should also be verified, along with the brake calipers and discs for binding or excessive corrosion, as these are frequently linked to wheel assembly failures. The absence of emissions-related failures does not preclude a check of the catalytic converter or exhaust system for leaks or blockages, as these can develop silently.