Mercedes CL (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 113 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,888

£241/month

MOT Pass Rate

79%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

4196cc Petrol

Check Carefully

79% pass rate, £2,888/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol4196cc28 years old113 tests101k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4196cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,888

Per month£241/mo

Per week£56/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

79% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mercedes brand average of 87%.

79% of MOT tests on Mercedes CLs from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 113 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 101,277 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models102nd of 325(top half)

Rank among Mercedes models1113th of 1,376(bottom 20%)

vs average of all models-3%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average+4%(75% avg)

vs Mercedes average-8%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

101,277

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Mercedes CL had 101,277 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 78%. The 1998 scores 79%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Mercedes CL by Year

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

Similar Cars to Consider

Jaguar XK8

1997 · 3995cc Petrol

£2,738/year

81%

+2%

Jaguar XJ

1998 · 3980cc Petrol

£2,888/year

77%

-2%

Porsche 911

1997 · 3800cc Petrol

£2,588/year

90%

+11%

Land Rover Range Rover

1999 · 3950cc Petrol

£2,888/year

79%

same

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About the 1998 Mercedes CL

The 1998 Mercedes CL is a premium performance car. Our records list a 4196cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 113 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 101,277 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes CL owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1998 Mercedes CL Fuel Costs

The 4196cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1998 Mercedes CL?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,888 (£241/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 79% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Mercedes CL Reliability Trend

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

Buying a Used 1998 Mercedes CL

At 28 years old, the Mercedes CL is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2012 model has the highest pass rate at 94%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 28 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 101k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1998 Mercedes CL stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Mercedes CL(1998)	79%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888
Jaguar XK8(1997)	81%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738-£150
Jaguar XJ(1998)	77%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888same
Porsche 911(1997)	90%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,588-£300
Land Rover Range Rover(1999)	79%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888same

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1998 Mercedes CL

Is the 1998 Mercedes CL reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 79% of MOT tests on 1998 Mercedes CLs ended in a pass, from 113 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Mercedes CL cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,888 a year (£241 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Mercedes CL?

79% of 113 MOT tests on the 1998 Mercedes CL ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 102nd of 325 models first registered in 1998 (top half).

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% and the 2001 the lowest at 78%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1998 Mercedes CL?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Mercedes CL is 101,277 miles, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.