2009 Mercedes-Benz E 2.1L Diesel · V3 EXC

The most recent MOT, carried out on 3 August 2026, was passed with no recorded defects. This marks a clear turnaround from the string of failures recorded between mid‑2024 and mid‑2025, where major safety items such as a fractured front coil spring, faulty side repeaters, a rough near‑side wheel bearing and an ineffective parking brake were flagged. The successful test in August 2026, following a clean MOT in June 2025, indicates that the principal faults have been addressed and that the vehicle’s current condition is at least satisfactory for road use, although the recent history shows a period of significant remedial work. At 162,806 miles recorded for a 2009 model, the vehicle averages just under 9,600 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the typical usage envelope for a car of this age. There is no evidence of a sudden mileage surge that would suggest severe high‑speed wear, nor are there large gaps that would imply prolonged periods of inactivity. Consequently, wear on wear‑items such as tyres, brakes and suspension components should be commensurate with a moderate‑use vehicle, but the age of the car means that many parts may be approaching the end of their service life regardless of mileage. When inspecting the car, pay particular attention to the front off‑side coil spring that was previously recorded as fractured. Look for any audible clunking over bumps, uneven ride height or visible sagging of the front suspension, and verify that the spring is intact and correctly seated. The side repeaters (indicator flashers) on both the near‑side and off‑side were repeatedly noted as non‑functional; confirm that all turn‑signal lights flash at the correct rate and that the associated flasher units operate reliably. The engine management light (MIL) was flagged as inoperative – ensure the dashboard warning lamp illuminates briefly on start‑up and that the vehicle’s onboard diagnostics can be read without fault codes. The near‑side front wheel bearing was described as rough; listen for a low‑frequency growl that changes with wheel speed and check for any play when the wheel is rocked. The parking brake efficiency failure should be verified by applying the handbrake on a slight incline and confirming that the vehicle remains stationary without excessive pedal travel. Finally, the rear tyres were deemed dangerous in 2024 due to tread depth; inspect both rear tyres for tread depth, sidewall cracking and uneven wear, and replace them if the remaining tread is below 1.6 mm or shows signs of perishing. Given the car’s seventeen‑year age, a thorough age‑related inspection is advisable even though the recent MOT passed. Examine the suspension bushings and mounts for cracking, oil seepage or excessive play, as rubber components deteriorate over time. Inspect the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or glazing, and verify that the pads have adequate thickness and that the calipers do not bind. Check all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – and consider a complete fluid change if the service history is incomplete, as fluids degrade with age even without high mileage. The 12‑volt battery should be tested for cranking amps and checked for any corrosion on terminals, especially if the car has spent periods standing. Look for any signs of chassis corrosion, particularly around wheel arches and under the chassis rails, and confirm that the service book contains regular oil changes and any recommended timing‑chain or belt replacements for a vehicle of this vintage. A test drive that includes gentle acceleration, steady cruising, braking and a short high‑speed run will reveal any lingering issues such as suspension chatter, brake shudder or engine mis‑fires before final purchase.