2012 Mercedes-Benz C220 Sport CDI Blueeffi-CY A 2.1L Diesel · WN12 CUW

A clean, defect-free result on the most recent test dated 11 August 2026 demonstrates that this C220 is presently in a roadworthy state, although the broader pattern of two failures interspersed between three passes within a fourteen-month window introduces a measure of mechanical ambiguity. The two recorded failures on 14 July 2026 and 21 June 2025 are unusual in that they carry no defect entries, which suggests retest outcomes following refusals at earlier garages rather than outright mechanical failures at the DVSA test station, or alternatively that the necessary repairs were addressed and the vehicle subsequently returned to test within a short period. This stop-start cadence, while not inherently damaging, does indicate that the car has been through the repair and retest process more frequently than is typical and a buyer should ascertain the precise nature of the work carried out between each failed attempt. With 159,926 miles accumulated over fourteen years, the vehicle averages roughly 11,400 miles annually, which sits comfortably within the expected range for a diesel executive saloon of this era and points to steady, consistent use rather than either long-term storage or unusually heavy duty. There are no significant gaps in the testing history that would suggest extended periods off the road, and the mileage progression between tests appears continuous and proportionate to the intervals, reinforcing the impression of a car that has been in regular service throughout its life. Diesel powertrains of this generation, particularly the 2.1-litre CDI unit found in the C220, are generally well-engineered for high mileages provided that routine servicing has been maintained, but the combination of twelve-bar compression cycles and accumulated distance means that turbocharger wear, injector balance, dual-mass flywheel degradation, and EGR valve carbon build-up become increasingly relevant considerations at this odometer reading. Because the MOT history contains no advisory entries or defect details, there is no component-specific wear pattern to interrogate from the official record alone, and any targeted inspection must therefore rely on a thorough physical examination and test drive. Particular attention should be paid to the suspension on this model, as the W204 C-Class is known for wear in the front lower control arm bushes, rear subframe mounting bushes, and coil spring perishing, with symptoms typically presenting as clonking or knocking over uneven road surfaces, vague steering, or visible sag at the rear. Brake discs and pads should be inspected for lipping, hot spots, and binding calipers, especially given the mileage, and a test drive from cold should be conducted to check for any judder under firm braking or pulling to one side. On the diesel side of things, listen for turbo whistle, watch for excessive smoke on startup or under load, and check for oil weepage around the rocker cover, injector seals, and the OM646 oil filter housing, as these are common leak points that often manifest as residue on the engine block and surrounding undertrays. Finally, a prospective buyer should commission an independent compression test and a diagnostic scan for stored fault codes, particularly relating to the DPF, swirl flap actuator, and injector correction values, before committing to purchase. The steering rack and power steering pump on this chassis can develop seepage at higher mileages, so the fluid reservoir and gaiters warrant close inspection, and the automatic gearbox should be checked for hesitant shifts, flare between gears, or any delay engaging drive from cold. While the DVSA record shows a clean pass at the most recent attempt, the absence of advisory data means the car's underlying condition cannot be fully assessed from paperwork alone, making a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a Mercedes specialist strongly advisable.