2021 MERCEDES-BENZ C 300 4MATIC

The vehicle is a 2021 Mercedes-Benz C 300 sedan, VIN W1KWF8EB8MR622421. The NHTSA decode identifies a gasoline-powered 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder M264 engine with a seven-speed automatic transmission. It was manufactured in East London, South Africa. The decoded trim is C300-4M, although the drivetrain is not specified in the available data. The auction records list the vehicle as salvage, with “Rear” recorded as the primary damage. Stage 1 reports that the visible evidence supports the stated rear-damage claim, with severe damage at the rear bumper and rear-side quarter area. Stage 1 also notes additional side damage and deployed airbags. The rear quarter panel and wheel-arch area are severely crushed and creased, with torn and displaced panel edges and internal components exposed near the wheel. The rear bumper cover is extensively scuffed and deformed, detached from the vehicle, and pulled outward and downward. There is a large open gap at the rear-side corner, separation along the lower edge, and exposed mounting areas and internal components. The lower rear-bumper trim is absent or displaced, with mounting clips visible. Light scuffing is also present along the trunk-lid edge and rear bumper surface. The visible side front-door mirror is missing, including the housing and glass, leaving the mounting area and wiring exposed. Both the front and rear doors on that side have multiple dents, creases, and longitudinal scrape marks, concentrated toward the rear portions of the doors. The restraint system has significant visible damage. Curtain airbags are deployed along the roof and side-window areas, and the front passenger airbag is also visibly deployed. Airbag modules, related restraint-system components, and associated vehicle systems will require complete inspection and likely replacement or recalibration before the vehicle can be considered safe for road use. The damage shown may extend beyond the visible body panels to the quarter-panel structure, wheel-arch area, bumper mounts, lighting or parking systems, wiring, wheel and suspension components, and the vehicle’s safety and restraint systems. A qualified repair facility should conduct a full structural, mechanical, electrical, diagnostic, and alignment inspection. The vehicle should not be driven until these checks and any necessary repairs have been completed. NHTSA records list five recalls associated with this make, model, and year. They concern possible fuel-pump shutdown and loss of drive power; communication-module software affecting the emergency-call system; front seat-belt retraction; rearview-camera display operation; and additional communication-module software affecting eCall connectivity. Recall completion should be verified by VIN with Mercedes-Benz, and any outstanding work should be completed before operation.