2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class 1.6L Petrol · WN62 EUW

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class presents a stable and improving maintenance trend, culminating in a fully clean pass on 8 September 2025 at 90,342 miles with zero defects recorded. This is a strong indicator that the most recent keeper addressed the issues flagged in the prior year. The vehicle has not failed a test since September 2023, and the absence of any advisories or fails in both the 2024 and 2025 inspections suggests a deliberate effort to bring the car up to standard and maintain it there. The mileage accumulation is consistent and unremarkable for a vehicle of this age. Between the September 2022 test at 82,125 miles and the September 2025 test at 90,342 miles, the car covered approximately 8,217 miles over three years, averaging roughly 2,739 miles annually during that window. This is lower than the overall lifetime average of 6,453 miles per year, pointing to lighter recent use or a change in ownership pattern. There are no suspicious mileage gaps or rapid spikes in the recorded data, and the annual test intervals are regular, supporting a straightforward ownership history. The primary area of concern in the record is the front suspension. The September 2023 failure at 84,416 miles flagged severely deteriorated dust covers on both the nearside and offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joints. Deteriorated ball joint covers allow ingress of road grit and moisture, accelerating joint wear and potentially leading to knocking, vague steering, or catastrophic linkage separation if left unattended. A prospective buyer should jack the front of the vehicle and physically check for play in these joints, inspecting whether the covers have been replaced or simply patched. The same 2023 failure also cited both front tyres worn to or near the legal limit, which, combined with the ball joint wear, suggests the front end took a sustained period of neglect before being rectified for the 2024 pass. Beyond the documented faults, a thorough in-person inspection should focus on the structural integrity of the front subframe and inner wing arches, common corrosion points on the B-Class. The exhaust system and catalytic converter should be checked for condition and emissions compliance, given the vehicle's age. Brake lines, flexible hoses, and the condition of the rear beam bushes deserve close scrutiny, as these deteriorate with age and low-mileage standing. The clean recent record is encouraging, but it only confirms the vehicle met the minimum legal standard on two specific days. A physical inspection remains essential to verify the longevity of those repairs.