2016 Mercedes-Benz E 2.1L Diesel · WD16 NUE

This E-Class presents a mixed mechanical picture with a recent pass, yet the underlying maintenance trend is one of gradual deterioration rather than consistent repair. The most recent test on 5 February 2025 at 190,884 miles resulted in a pass, but the tester flagged an oil leak and noted both front wheel bearings were worn, indicating these issues were present yet not severe enough to fail. The day prior, on 4 February 2025, the same vehicle failed with a significantly worn front brake disc, front brake pads below 1.5 mm, an illuminated ABS warning lamp, and identical wheel bearing wear. This rapid turnaround suggests the front brake components were replaced to secure a pass, but the ABS fault and wheel bearing wear were left unresolved, pointing to a pattern of minimal, reactive repairs rather than comprehensive preventative maintenance. The recorded mileage of 190,884 miles on a 2016 vehicle equates to roughly 19,000 miles per year, which is substantially above the UK average and indicates sustained high-intensity use, likely motorway or fleet driving. The MOT history shows a gap between 27 December 2023 at 174,392 miles and 5 February 2025 at 190,884 miles, representing an accumulation of approximately 16,500 miles in just over thirteen months. This confirms continued heavy use right up to the present day, placing considerable stress on consumable components, the drivetrain, and suspension bushes. The mileage progression is consistent with a working vehicle rather than one that stood idle, so wear on brake discs, pads, and wheel bearings is expected at this level. A buyer should pay close attention to the front suspension and braking assembly during any physical inspection. The recurring advisories for both front wheel bearings, present in tests from December 2022 through February 2025, suggest these components have been operating with play for an extended period and may require imminent replacement. The heavily lipped and pitted front brake discs noted in December 2023 and again in December 2022 indicate a history of aggressive braking or delayed pad changes. Although the February 2025 failure shows the discs and pads were replaced, the illuminated ABS warning lamp remains a concern. This could indicate a faulty wheel speed sensor, a damaged ABS tone ring, or a failing hydraulic control unit, all of which demand diagnostic attention before purchase. The persistent oil leak, flagged in tests from December 2022 through February 2025, warrants a thorough under-bonnet inspection to determine whether it originates from a valve cover gasket, oil filter housing, or a more costly crankshaft seal. The handbrake having little reserve travel, noted in both December 2022 and December 2023, suggests the rear brake self-adjusters may be seized or the cables require attention. Given the high annual mileage and the pattern of advisories left unaddressed across multiple test cycles, a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified technician is strongly advised to assess structural corrosion, exhaust integrity, and the overall mechanical resilience of this vehicle.