2018 Mercedes-Benz C 1.6L Diesel · SW55 DFW

A recent decline in mechanical condition is evident, shifting from a clean record in 2023 and 2024 to a series of advisories and a failure in early 2026. While the vehicle achieved a pass on 26 February 2026, this followed a failure the previous day caused by an inoperative or malfunctioning engine management indicator lamp. The emergence of multiple advisories regarding braking and tyre wear suggests a trend of deferred maintenance in the last two years. With 48,459 miles recorded over approximately eight years, the vehicle has averaged around 6,057 miles per annum. This represents a typical usage profile for this class of vehicle, meaning the drivetrain and interior should show moderate wear. However, the current mechanical defects are not necessarily a result of high mileage, but rather the natural degradation of consumables and specific components that have now reached the end of their service life. Immediate attention is required for the rear axle consumables, as both rear brake discs are recorded as worn, pitted, or scored, and both rear tyres are nearing the legal tread limit. During a test drive, the buyer should be alert for any pulsations through the brake pedal or unusual noises during deceleration, which would indicate the extent of the disc scoring. The current state of the rear tyres will likely necessitate immediate replacement to ensure safety and legal compliance. Further scrutiny is needed regarding the steering and engine electronics. The 2025 record flagged play in the offside steering rack inner joint, a component that can lead to imprecise handling or knocking sounds when traversing uneven surfaces. The buyer should check for any looseness in the steering feel or clunks during low-speed manoeuvring. Additionally, confirmation should be sought regarding the specific nature of the engine management light failure from February 2026 to ensure the underlying fault was rectified rather than simply cleared.