2018 Mercedes-Benz C 2.1L Diesel · WM18 RZD

Recurring issues with tyre condition and suspension component wear define the mechanical profile of this Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The most recent test on 26 November 2025 resulted in a pass, but it carried an advisory for a nearside rear tyre being worn close to the legal limit with 2.8mm of tread remaining. This follows a significant failure in November 2024, where the vehicle was classed as dangerous due to an offside front tyre having exposed cords. While the record shows a pass in 2023 with no defects, the subsequent appearance of suspension play and tyre degradation suggests a pattern of wear on consumables and steering/suspension linkages that requires close monitoring. The vehicle has covered 65,840 miles over approximately eight years, which equates to an average annual mileage of roughly 8,230 miles. This usage pattern is consistent with typical long-distance or mixed-use driving for a vehicle of this age. Mechanically, this moderate mileage suggests that while major drivetrain components may not have reached high-mileage fatigue, wear on secondary components such as suspension bushes, ball joints, and tyres is expected. The recorded mileage does not indicate excessive heavy-duty use, but the frequency of tyre-related advisories and failures suggests that the vehicle is being driven through environments or in a manner that accelerates tread wear or impacts wheel integrity. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the suspension and wheel assembly during a physical inspection and test drive. The 2024 MOT record specifically flagged slight play in the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint. On the road, this may manifest as a knocking or clunking sound when driving over uneven surfaces or bumps, or potentially a slight pull in the steering. Furthermore, the history of distorted road wheels noted in 2021 suggests that the wheels themselves should be inspected for any signs of impact damage or buckling, which can cause vibrations through the steering wheel at higher speeds. Tyre management is another critical area for scrutiny given the repeated advisories for low tread depth and uneven wear. The presence of a nearside rear tyre worn on the edge in 2025 indicates that wheel alignment or camber settings may require verification. During a test drive, check for any uneven tyre wear patterns or steering instability that could point to underlying suspension geometry issues. Ensuring that all four tyres have adequate tread depth and are not showing signs of irregular wear will be essential to confirm that the issues flagged in the recent MOT history have been fully addressed.