2005 Mercedes E280 3.0L Diesel · T4 XEP

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance trend indicates a reactive rather than proactive ownership pattern. While it passed its most recent test in November 2025 at 85,950 miles, this followed an immediate failure due to multiple significant mechanical defects. The tester identified excessive wear on the offside front suspension arm ball joint and hub ball joint, alongside a distorted nearside front wheel. These failures suggest that the owner only addresses mechanical components once they reach a point of failure rather than performing preventative maintenance. The mileage profile is notably low for a 21-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 4,100 miles per year. There was a significant jump of 10,462 miles between November 2024 and November 2025, contrasting with the much modest 3,165-mile interval in the previous year. While low annual mileage reduces wear on the drivetrain and engine, it often leads to age-related degradation of rubber components and seals, which may be evidenced by the discoloured windscreen and pitted brake discs noted in the 2022 records. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the front suspension geometry to ensure the ball joints replaced in late 2025 were fitted correctly. The previously distorted nearside front wheel remains a compromised structural component and should be replaced as it can cause vibrations or uneven tyre wear at speed. Given the history of pitted rear brake discs from 2022, the current state of the braking system should be checked for thickness and corrosion, as low-mileage vehicles frequently suffer from surface rust on rotors during periods of light use.