2018 Mercedes-Benz C 2.1L Diesel · V5 RRL

A consistent pattern of front-axle tyre wear is the defining mechanical signature of this 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class across its recorded MOT history. Both nearside and offside front tyres were flagged as worn close to the legal limit and worn on the edge in May 2021, with the identical pair of advisories recurring in May 2025, while the intervening tests in 2022, 2023, 2024 and the most recent pass on 18 May 2026 recorded no defects at all. The symmetrical, repeated edge-wear pattern on the front tyres points to a chassis geometry issue rather than a one-off tyre problem, and although the vehicle has never failed an MOT, the recurrence of the same advisory on the same axle after a four-year gap is a meaningful signal. Five consecutive passes demonstrate the car has remained roadworthy throughout its testing life, but a buyer should treat the repetition as evidence that the underlying cause has not been resolved. With 68,807 miles recorded over approximately eight years, the vehicle accumulates around 8,600 miles annually, which sits comfortably within the typical range for a car of this age. There are no gaps between annual tests or unusual jumps in odometer readings, indicating continuous use rather than extended periods off the road. This steady, moderate accumulation means the usual consumables and mechanical components have been worked consistently without being subjected to the extremes of very high mileage or long-term standing. However, the front-end wear pattern combined with this usage rate suggests the steering and suspension have been under continuous load, and the components linked to geometry and tyre contact are the ones most likely to require attention next. Any prospective buyer should begin with a careful inspection of the front suspension and steering geometry, since the repeated edge-wear advisories are often traced to worn lower or upper control arm bushes, top mount bearings, droplinks, or tie rod ends on this model. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front end over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and pay particular attention to any vagueness in the steering around the straight-ahead position or a tendency for the car to drift or pull, which would suggest the geometry is still out of specification. Inspect the inner and outer edges of the front tyres physically rather than relying on tread depth alone, because uneven shoulder wear on a relatively new set of tyres after fitment is a strong indicator that the underlying bush or joint wear has not been addressed. Also examine the rear tyres carefully, as all four tyres were flagged in 2021, suggesting the wear pattern may not be exclusively front-axle related. The braking system, exhaust, emissions equipment, and structural underbody areas have not been flagged in any of the six recorded tests, which is a positive indicator for those particular systems. Nonetheless, a buyer should still carry out a thorough underside inspection for any signs of corrosion around the suspension subframes, brake pipe runs, and rear axle mounting points, as these are common areas of concern on C-Class vehicles reaching this age. On the road, check for any vibration through the steering wheel under braking, which would indicate warped front brake discs, and listen for any binding or scraping from the callipers, particularly after the car has been driven in wet conditions. Given the clean overall test record but the unresolved tyre wear pattern, this vehicle presents as roadworthy but with a specific front-end geometry or suspension issue that warrants a targeted mechanical inspection before purchase.