Mercedes CL (1999)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 72 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,888

£241/month

MOT Pass Rate

78%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

5987cc Petrol

Check Carefully

78% pass rate, £2,888/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol5987cc27 years old72 tests17k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 5987cc)

~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

78% 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%.

78% of MOT tests on Mercedes CLs from 1999 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 25 years old. That's based on 72 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 16,669 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1999 models143rd of 361(top half)

Rank among Mercedes models1160th of 1,376(bottom 16%)

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

vs 1999 models average+3%(75% avg)

vs Mercedes average-9%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

16,669

Average miles

185,000

Expected for age

The average 1999 Mercedes CL had 16,669 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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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 1999 scores 78%. 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

Aston Martin DB7

2001 · 5935cc Petrol

£3,153/year

89%

+11%

TVR Cerbera

1997 · 6162cc Petrol

£2,588/year

95%

+17%

Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee

1999 · 5899cc Petrol

£2,888/year

70%

-8%

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About the 1999 Mercedes CL

The 1999 Mercedes CL is a premium performance car. Our records list a 5987cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 72 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1999, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 16,669 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes CL owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1999 Mercedes CL Fuel Costs

The 5987cc 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 1999 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 78% 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 1999 Mercedes CL

At 27 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%. Note: with only 72 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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 27 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.

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 1999 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(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888
Aston Martin DB7(2001)	89%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153+£265
TVR Cerbera(1997)	95%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,588-£300
Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee(1999)	70%	£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 1999 Mercedes CL

Is the 1999 Mercedes CL reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 78% of MOT tests on 1999 Mercedes CLs ended in a pass, from 72 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1999 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 1999 Mercedes CL?

78% of 72 MOT tests on the 1999 Mercedes CL ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 143rd of 361 models first registered in 1999 (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 1999 Mercedes CL?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1999 Mercedes CL is 16,669 miles, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.