2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 3.0L Diesel · SL66 LEO

Tyres dominate this GLE's MOT story, with a recurring pattern of wear and damage spanning five consecutive years of testing. The 2020 test initially failed on a cut to the nearside front tyre deep enough to expose the ply or cords, and the same defect returned in September 2024 on both front tyres simultaneously, requiring replacement before a pass was issued three days later. Between those failures, advisories flagged tyres worn close to the legal limit in 2021 (both rears), 2022 (both rears again), and 2023 (both fronts, worn on the edges). The latest test in October 2025 passed with only a worn front brake disc advisory and a minor nearside rear headlamp lens defect, so the recent record is relatively clean, but the cumulative tyre history is the defining feature of this vehicle's file and warrants scrutiny of how the current set is wearing. Recorded mileage stands at 58,057 miles after roughly ten years, an average of around 5,800 miles per year, which is low for a vehicle of this size and type. Testing has been consistent each September or October with no gaps in the record, and the 2021 note that engine undertrays prevented inspection of some components is worth bearing in mind, as it limited the scope of that particular examination. Low annual mileage on a heavy SUV like the GLE means less wear on drivetrain and suspension components than the age might suggest, though the repeated edge wear noted on tyres across multiple years can be consistent with alignment geometry that has not been corrected, something low mileage alone would not cause. Given the history, a prospective buyer should inspect all four tyres carefully: check tread depth across the full width of each tyre, look for uneven shoulder wear particularly on the inner edges, and examine sidewalls for cuts, bulges, or repairs. The 2023 advisory noting wear on the edges of both front tyres, followed by cuts to both fronts a year later, makes it sensible to have the wheel alignment and front suspension geometry checked, since persistent edge wear on a heavy vehicle can indicate worn suspension bushes, ball joints, or incorrect tracking. On a test drive, feel for the steering pulling to one side, vibration through the wheel at motorway speeds, or the vehicle wandering, any of which would support further investigation of the front end. The October 2025 advisory for a worn front brake disc should be verified directly: look for a pronounced lip on the disc edge, check pad thickness, and on the test drive listen for grinding and feel for judder through the pedal or steering under braking, which would suggest disc warping or uneven wear. The minor headlamp lens defect is cosmetic in nature but should be confirmed as resolved or at least not deteriorating, since lens clouding or cracking can eventually affect beam pattern. Finally, because undertrays limited the 2021 inspection, it would be prudent to have the underside examined on a ramp before purchase, checking for corrosion on brake pipes, subframes, and suspension components that may have gone unobserved in that test.