Is the 2005 MERCEDES CL reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 93% of MERCEDES CLs from 2005 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 70 tests. That's 11 points above the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2005 MERCEDES CL cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,607 (£217/month), including £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2005 MERCEDES CL?

The 2005 MERCEDES CL has a 93% MOT pass rate based on 70 tests in 2026. This ranks 26 out of 526 cars from 2005.

Which year MERCEDES CL is most reliable?

The 2012 MERCEDES CL has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%. The least reliable year is 2000 at 76%.

MERCEDES CL (2005)

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2005 MERCEDES CL?

The average mileage for a 2005 MERCEDES CL is 94,005 miles, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 70 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,607

£217/month

MOT Pass Rate

93%

Excellent

Road Tax

£760

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

5439cc Petrol

Great Choice

93% pass rate, £2607/year to run. 11 points above average.

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Petrol5439cc21 years old70 tests94k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 5439cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592

Road Tax

Based on 5439cc

£760

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£2,607

Per month£217/mo

Per week£50/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

93% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 11 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.

At 21 years old, 93% of MERCEDES CLs from 2005 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 70 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 94,005 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2005 cars26th of 526(top 5%)

Rank among MERCEDES models435th of 1,408(top 31%)

vs national average+11%(82% avg)

vs 2005 cars average+21%(72% avg)

vs MERCEDES average+6%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

94,005

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2005 MERCEDES CL has 94,005 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-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?

The most reliable year is the 2012 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 76%. The 2005 sits between the two at 93%.

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

MERCEDES CLK

2004 · 4966cc Petrol

£2,397/year

76%

-17%

MERCEDES SL

2003 · 4966cc Petrol

£2,247/year

86%

-7%

MERCEDES ML

2006 · 4966cc Petrol

£2,247/year

80%

-13%

ASTON MARTIN DB9

2005 · 5935cc Petrol

£2,097/year

93%

same

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About the 2005 MERCEDES CL

The 2005 MERCEDES CL is a performance with a 5439cc petrol engine. 70 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 5% of all 2005 cars for reliability.

With an average of 94,005 miles at 21 years old, MERCEDES CL owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2005 MERCEDES CL Fuel Costs

The 5439cc 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2005 MERCEDES CL?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,607 (£217/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 93% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

MERCEDES CL Reliability Trend

Newer MERCEDES CLs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2005 MERCEDES CL

At 21 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 70 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2005 MERCEDES CL's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 21 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

Medium risk

With an average of 94k 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 2005 MERCEDES CL stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
MERCEDES CL(2005)	93%	£1592	£760	Grp 35-50	£2607
MERCEDES CLK(2004)	76%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2397-£210
MERCEDES SL(2003)	86%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2247-£360
MERCEDES ML(2006)	80%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2247-£360
ASTON MARTIN DB9(2005)	93%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2097-£510

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.