2012 Mercedes-Benz C 2.1L Diesel · SC07 HAA

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class passed its most recent MOT on 22 May 2025 at 112,382 miles, but the record reveals a maintenance trend that is stable at best, with recurring low-level defects rather than a pattern of thorough preventative care. The tester flagged three separate tyres worn close to the legal limit or worn on edge, indicating uneven wear likely caused by suspension misalignment or neglected tyre rotation. Both front brake pipes were noted as corroded and covered in grease or other material, a combination that masks the true condition of the metal and suggests corrosion has been developing unchecked. These are not catastrophic failures, but they point to a vehicle that has been kept legal rather than properly maintained. The mileage progression is consistent and broadly typical for a 14-year-old car. Between April 2022 at 89,248 miles and April 2024 at 106,040 miles, the car covered roughly 16,792 miles in two years, then added a further 6,342 miles in the thirteen months to May 2025. This indicates sustained regular use with no alarming gaps or sudden spikes that would suggest long-term standing or clocking concerns. The annual average of approximately 8,000 miles is unremarkable for this class of vehicle. A buyer should pay close attention to the braking system. Corroded front brake pipes appeared in both the 2024 and 2025 tests, and the 2024 test also noted worn, pitted, or scored front brake discs. This combination of corroded pipework and disc wear suggests the braking system has not received timely fluid changes or pipe inspections, increasing the risk of fluid leaks or reduced braking efficiency under load. The rear brake pads were flagged as wearing thin in April 2023, which is a consumable item, but the fact that no rear brake defects reappeared in later tests may simply mean they were replaced rather than inspected for deeper issues such as binding calipers or uneven wear. The repeated tyre wear advisories across multiple tests, including edge wear and a cut reaching the ply on the nearside front in April 2022, warrant a close inspection of the suspension geometry. Worn suspension bushes, damaged track rod ends, or deteriorated damper top mounts could all produce the kind of uneven tyre wear seen here. A physical check of the subframe and inner wing mounts for corrosion is also advisable, given the age of the vehicle and the general pattern of surface-level rather than proactive maintenance reflected in the record.