2010 Mercedes-Benz E 2.1L Diesel · V5 CHC

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E passed its most recent MOT on June 11, 2026, at 100,709 miles, demonstrating stable mechanical reliability despite its age. The maintenance trend reveals a persistent, unresolved electrical issue rather than a worsening mechanical decline. The tester flagged the central high-level stop lamp for partial failure across three consecutive tests, from June 2024 through to the current certificate. An offside front direction indicator also appeared discoloured in both 2025 and 2026. These recurring advisories point to a neglected minor electrical fault rather than a critical safety defect, though the repeated nature of the stop lamp failure suggests previous owners deferred basic bulb or wiring repairs. Accumulating 100,709 miles over sixteen years equates to roughly 6,294 miles annually, a notably low average for an executive car of this era. The record shows consistent testing and steady accumulation without significant gaps. Between June 2022 and June 2023, the vehicle covered 2,677 miles, followed by a jump of 6,373 miles in the subsequent twelve months to June 2024. Mileage then increased to 3,913 miles by June 2025 and 2,745 miles by June 2026. This pattern indicates the car has likely spent extended periods stationary, which can cause flat-spotted tyres, brake disc corrosion, and seized suspension components due to lack of use. A physical inspection should prioritise the front suspension and braking systems, given the historical advisories and the effects of prolonged standing. In June 2022 and 2023, the tester flagged deteriorated ball joint dust covers on the nearside front lower suspension arm and anti-roll bar linkage. Although these were advisory items, split covers allow dirt ingress, accelerating wear on the ball joints and potentially leading to suspension failure. Check for knocking from the front end and inspect the structural integrity of the subframe and suspension mounting points for corrosion. Examine the brake discs and calipers for uneven wear and binding, common issues on vehicles left stationary for long periods. Verify the central high-level stop lamp and OSF indicator discolouration, which may require more than a simple bulb replacement if the units have degraded. Test the operation of all suspension bushes and shock absorbers for leaks, as low-mileage vehicles often suffer from perished rubber rather than worn bearings. Assess the condition of the tyres closely, looking for sidewall cracking and flat spots resulting from prolonged stationary periods.