2016 Mercedes-Benz E 1.9L Diesel · V 55
2016 Mercedes-Benz E (1.9L, diesel). First registered 01 Dec 2016. Recorded mileage 51,114 miles. MOT valid until 02 May 2027. Taxed until 01 Apr 2027.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ E
- Year / Origin
- 2016 · Worcester
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 02 May 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Apr 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 51,114 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 1.9L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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V 55 Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 04/05/2026
- 51,114 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (9 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
V 55 MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2016 Mercedes-Benz E (V 55) between April 2024 and May 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 04 May 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (9 issues), Tyres (5 issues), Suspension (4 issues), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 16 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Front Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn lower rear (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Nearside Rear Road wheel badly distorted (5.2.2 (c) (i))”; “Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction (8.2.2.2 (g))”.
V 55 Mileage History
- 12/04/202443,774 mi
- 01/05/202547,319 mi+3,545 mi
- 01/05/202547,319 mi
- 29/04/202651,113 mi+3,794 mi
- 04/05/202651,114 mi+1 mi
Average of roughly 3,565 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
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MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
We would recommend caution when consider
Given the pattern of repeated advisories on the nearside front suspension arm ball joint (appearing in 2024, 2025, and escalating to a failure item in 2026), this is the single most important area to inspect. A ball joint that has progressed from 'slight play' advisory status in 2024 and 2025 to an 'excessively worn' failure item in 2026 strongly suggests it has either been neglected or replaced with a substandard component. Request documentation of any suspension work completed and budget for replacement of both sides if evidence is lacking.
The engine MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) appearing as a failure item in both 2025 and 2026 tests is another red flag. An illuminated or inoperative engine management light can stem from numerous causes on a modern Mercedes diesel, ranging from sensor failures to DPF issues to injector problems. A proper diagnostic scan using Mercedes-specific tooling (STAR diagnosis) is essential before purchase, and budget at least £300-£800 for potential repairs depending on the root cause.
The wheel distortion advisories across all four tests suggest the vehicle may have been driven over rough surfaces or kerbed, but persistent distortion on replacement wheels would indicate a more serious issue. Check all four wheels carefully for cracks or buckles, and inspect the tyres for uneven wear patterns which could point to alignment or suspension geometry problems beyond the ball joint itself.
The 1950cc diesel E-Class typically returns around 55-65 mpg in real-world driving, making it relatively economical for a vehicle of this size and refinement. Insurance for an E-Class of this age falls into group 30-35 depending on the specific variant, which is moderate for the executive saloon class. Road tax (VED) for this Euro 6 compliant diesel should be in the £20-£165 annual band depending on the exact list price recorded, though vehicles registered from April 2017 onwards would incur the standard £165 rate.
Annual maintenance costs for the E-Class tend to be higher than mainstream alternatives, with main dealer servicing typically costing £400-£600 and independent specialists charging £250-£400. Given the MOT failure items observed, prospective buyers should budget an immediate £500-£1,200 for remedial work covering the suspension ball joint replacement, potential engine management diagnostics, tyre pressure system repair, and wiper replacement. The estimated annual running cost including fuel, tax, insurance, and maintenance would be approximately £1,800-£2,400.
Begin your inspection by raising the vehicle on a ramp to examine the front suspension arms, particularly the nearside lower rear ball joint which has been flagged repeatedly. Check for any evidence of recent replacement versus worn original components, and inspect the offside for similar wear which often develops symmetrically. Examine all four wheels for distortion, cracks, or signs of kerbing damage, and verify that tyres are matched in brand and tread depth across axles.
Connect an OBD diagnostic tool or have a Mercedes specialist run a STAR diagnosis to retrieve any stored fault codes relating to the engine management system. The MIL issues across two consecutive tests suggest either persistent unresolved faults or potential tampering with the warning system. Additionally, inspect the tyre pressure monitoring system sensors (typically located in each wheel valve) as these are known to fail on E-Class models and can cost £50-£100 per sensor to replace.
Verify the operation of all wiper functions and check the wiper linkage for wear, as the 2025 failure cited ineffective clearing. Examine the windscreen for any pitting or chips that could affect wiper performance. Finally, check the exhaust system for signs of DPF issues (common on this engine), listen for any unusual engine noises on cold start, and verify that all dashboard warning lights illuminate correctly during ignition.
This blue 1950cc diesel E-Class, first registered in December 2016, has covered approximately 51,114 miles across its MOT-recorded lifetime, equating to roughly 5,300 miles annually, which is below typical usage for the age. The MOT history shows four tests recorded, with two passes and two failures in successive years (2025 and 2026). The 2026 failure is particularly significant, listing seven defect items including a major suspension component wear issue and an engine management warning. Repeated advisories on suspension ball joints and wheel distortions across multiple tests indicate persistent concerns that have not been adequately resolved.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class generally enjoys a solid reputation for build quality and long-term durability, though specific MOT aggregate data was not available for this model in our reference set. Diesel variants of this era have occasionally shown issues with emissions systems, injectors, and suspension components as mileage accumulates.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
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Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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