2012 Mercedes-Benz E 2.1L Diesel · WN62 TMV

A clean MOT certificate carries genuine reassurance for any prospective buyer, and this 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class presents precisely such a picture across the recorded tests. The most recent examination on 12 February 2026 returned a pass with no defects recorded, and across all four tests on file spanning 2024 to early 2026, the only entries logged are a pass and a fail result on the same day at the February 2025 and February 2026 tests respectively. These same-day pass-after-fail outcomes are a familiar feature of MOT procedure, typically indicating a minor rectification carried out between the initial refusal and the subsequent re-test, and crucially, none of these results show any advisories or recorded defects. The pattern suggests a vehicle that has remained compliant with statutory roadworthiness requirements without any component flagged for early intervention. Recorded mileage of 92,487 miles over a fourteen-year service life equates to an annual accumulation of around 6,606 miles, which sits broadly within the expected envelope for a car of this age and class. There are no extended gaps between annual tests that would imply long-term standing, nor any sharp year-on-year mileage jumps that might raise suspicion of odometer discrepancy or unusually intensive use. The steady, moderate rate of accumulation is mechanically favourable for the E-Class, as it implies that the major wear items associated with higher-mileage Mercedes saloons, including the common-rail diesel or petrol injection system, multi-link suspension components, automatic transmission torque converter wear, and the air suspension components fitted to certain variants, are unlikely to have been excessively stressed. From a buyer standpoint, the absence of any recorded advisories across four consecutive tests is encouraging but does not guarantee that consumable or service items are in their first life. At this age and mileage, particular attention should be paid to the multi-link front suspension fitted to the W212 chassis, specifically the lower control arm bushes, front subframe mounting points, and the thrust arms, as these are known wear items that can begin to deteriorate well before producing an MOT advisory. A test drive over uneven road surfaces should be conducted with the audio system muted and windows lowered, listening for clonking or knocking from the front end, and the steering should be checked for any vagueness, wandering, or knocking through the rack under load. Uneven tyre wear, particularly on the inner shoulders, can also betray camber loss from worn suspension links even before any play is detectable by hand. The braking system on a 2012 E-Class at this mileage will likely be on its second or third set of discs and pads, and although none have been flagged, a thorough road test is advisable. Cold pedal operation should be smooth and firm without excessive travel or sponginess, and under firm braking the vehicle should pull up straight without vibration through the pedal or steering wheel, which would indicate disc runout or binding calipers. The exhaust system, particularly on the rear silencer and mounting rubbers where corrosion typically initiates on these vehicles, should be inspected from beneath for any blowing joints or hanging sections. Finally, the engine and transmission should be observed for any signs of leaks, including the well-documented Mercedes-Benz issue of oil weeps from the balance shaft gear and front crankshaft seal on the four-cylinder petrol and diesel variants, and any colour in the coolant expansion tank or sweet smell from the engine bay should be treated as a priority investigation before purchase.