Mercedes CL

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 19 model years from 3,207 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

86%

Total Tests

3,207

Highest Pass Rate

2012 (94%)

Years Covered

About the Mercedes CL

The Mercedes CL was MOT tested 3,207 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 19 model years (1997 to 2021), with an average pass rate of 86%. That's slightly above the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list petrol versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 model has the highest pass rate at 94% from 172 tests. The 2001 model has the lowest at 78%. With a 16 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

The Mercedes CL has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1997) averages 104,546 miles, while the newest (2021) averages 14,783 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1400cc)

£1,398

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£1,853

Per month£154/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2021 details

How reliable is the Mercedes CL?

vs average of all models+4% (82% avg)

vs Mercedes brand average-1% (87% avg)

Best to worst year spread16 percentage points

Reliability trendStable over years

Mercedes CL by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	100%	38	14,783 mi
2014	91%	246	61,866 mi
2013	87%	276	61,865 mi
2012	94%	172	66,464 mi
2011	89%	159	73,701 mi
2010	85%	150	77,076 mi
2009	81%	119	86,705 mi
2008	80%	241	78,575 mi
2007	88%	468	104,864 mi
2006	89%	79	94,133 mi
2005	93%	70	94,005 mi
2004	87%	112	79,723 mi
2003	86%	250	105,101 mi
2002	82%	330	94,742 mi
2001	78%	116	116,951 mi
2000	76%	78	91,007 mi
1999	78%	72	16,669 mi
1998	79%	113	101,277 mi
1997	92%	118	104,546 mi

Questions about the Mercedes CL

Is the Mercedes CL reliable?

Across its 19 model years in our data (1997 to 2021), the Mercedes CL averages an 86% MOT pass rate, from 3,207 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2012 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 94%.

Which year Mercedes CL has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 Mercedes CL has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 78%, a 16 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.