2013 Mercedes-Benz E 2.1L Diesel · SL63 VBV

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 26 June 2026, though it did so with a minor defect regarding a deteriorated anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover and a recurring advisory for an engine oil leak. When reviewing the history from 2021 to 2026, there is a noticeable shift in the maintenance trend. While the vehicle enjoyed clean passes between 2021 and 2023, the last three years show a pattern of failures and recurring advisories. This transition from a clean record to frequent issues with oil leaks, brake pipe corrosion, and suspension wear suggests that the vehicle is entering a phase of increased mechanical degradation where maintenance has become reactive rather than preventative. The recorded mileage of 142,029 miles over thirteen years equates to an annual average of approximately 10,925 miles. This is considered typical usage for a Mercedes-Benz E-Class of this vintage, indicating the car has been used regularly rather than suffering from the risks associated with prolonged standing, such as perished seals or seized calipers. However, at this mileage, the vehicle has surpassed the typical lifespan of many original consumables. Prospective buyers should expect that drivetrain mounts, suspension bushings, and auxiliary belts will be showing significant wear, which aligns with the recent increase in MOT advisories. A primary area of concern is the persistent engine oil leak noted since 2024. You should carefully inspect the engine bay for fresh oil seepage and verify the oil level to determine if the leak requires frequent topping up. More critical is the history of corroded brake pipes, specifically the mentions of pipes being covered in grease. In the automotive trade, applying grease to corroded lines is often a temporary measure to prevent further oxidation rather than a permanent repair. During the test drive, feel for any sponginess in the brake pedal and inspect the chassis for any signs of hydraulic fluid leaks, as corroded brake lines pose a significant safety risk if they fail under pressure. The recent failure of the anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover, combined with previous advisories for corroded coil springs, indicates that the front suspension is reaching the end of its service life. Listen for metallic clunks or knocks when driving over speed bumps or during low-speed steering manoeuvres. Additionally, the history of dangerous tyre tread depths and edge wear suggests a lack of attention to tyre health or potential wheel alignment issues. Inspect the current tyres for uneven wear patterns and check the sidewalls for cracking. Finally, ensure the service book confirms calendar-based fluid changes, particularly for the automatic transmission, to avoid costly drivetrain failures at this high mileage.