2017 Mercedes-Benz E 3.0L Petrol · SS11 POS

The most recent MOT test on 2025-10-23 resulted in a clean pass, marking a positive turnaround from the previous year’s failures. However, the vehicle’s MOT history reveals a pattern of recurring advisories related to front suspension ball joints and rear tyre defects, particularly the critical failure noted in 2023-08-08 where the near-side rear tyre exhibited a dangerous bulge indicative of structural separation. While earlier tests from 2022 onward were clean, the presence of consistent minor suspension issues—such as slight play in the front lower suspension arm ball joints—suggests underlying wear that may have been overlooked or deferred in previous inspections. This trend indicates a need for closer scrutiny of the suspension system’s long-term integrity, as minor play in ball joints can progress to binding or complete failure, particularly under aggressive cornering or rough road conditions. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 81,040 miles at the time of assessment represents a reasonable annual usage rate of approximately 9,004 miles per year, which is typical for a nine-year-old car. This usage profile does not suggest excessive wear from high mileage alone, but it does imply a moderate to heavy workload over the vehicle’s lifespan, particularly for components like brakes, suspension, and tyres. The absence of significant mileage gaps suggests the car has been in regular use, which may have accelerated wear on consumables such as brake pads, suspension bushings, and tyre treads. However, the presence of a bulging rear tyre in 2023 highlights that even moderate usage can lead to critical tyre failures if not properly monitored, underscoring the importance of addressing tyre wear and structural integrity promptly. Given the MOT history, the prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the suspension system, focusing on the front lower suspension arms and ball joints. During a test drive, listen for unusual clunking or rattling noises from the front suspension, particularly when navigating bumps or corners, as these could indicate worn or failing ball joints. Visually inspect the suspension for any signs of binding or excessive play, and check for uneven tyre wear patterns that may suggest misalignment or suspension misalignment. The near-side rear tyre failure in 2023 serves as a stark reminder to verify tyre tread depth and sidewall condition, as bulges or separations can develop silently until they become dangerous. Additionally, ensure the vehicle’s brakes are functioning correctly by checking for brake pedal firmness, listening for squeaking or grinding during braking, and inspecting for uneven brake disc wear or corrosion, which could be exacerbated by prolonged standing or low-mileage periods. For the age and mileage of this Mercedes-Benz E, the buyer should also conduct a comprehensive physical inspection of the vehicle’s undercarriage, engine bay, and interior for signs of standing corrosion or fluid degradation. Given the advisories from previous MOTs, such as restricted access due to fitted engine covers or undertrays, it is advisable to remove these components to assess the condition of the suspension arms, ball joints, and associated components for signs of rust or excessive wear. Check the 12V battery for signs of age-related deterioration, such as corrosion on terminals or a declining charge capacity, as older batteries can fail unexpectedly, particularly in a vehicle with a high annual mileage. Finally, verify that all fluids—oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid—are at the correct levels and have not degraded over time, as fluid changes are often deferred in lower-mileage vehicles but become critical with age. A service history check should also be performed to confirm that routine maintenance, such as tyre rotations, brake servicing, and suspension checks, has been documented, as gaps in service records can indicate neglect of preventative maintenance.