Mercedes CL (2006)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 79 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,153

£263/month

MOT Pass Rate

89%

Good

Road Tax

£790

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

5439cc Petrol

Solid Option

89% pass rate, £3,153/year to run. 7 points above average.

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Petrol5439cc20 years old79 tests94k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 5439cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£790

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£3,153

Per month£263/mo

Per week£61/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

89% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.

89% of MOT tests on Mercedes CLs from 2006 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 18 years old. That's based on 79 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 94,133 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2006 models52nd of 554(top 10%)

Rank among Mercedes models714th of 1,376(bottom half)

vs average of all models+7%(82% avg)

vs 2006 models average+16%(73% avg)

vs Mercedes average+2%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

94,133

Average miles

133,200

Expected for age

The average 2006 Mercedes CL had 94,133 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-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 2006 scores 89%. 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

Mercedes CLK

2004 · 4966cc Petrol

£3,303/year

76%

-13%

Mercedes SL

2004 · 5513cc Petrol

£3,153/year

88%

-1%

Mercedes ML

2006 · 4966cc Petrol

£3,153/year

80%

-9%

Aston Martin DB9

2005 · 5935cc Petrol

£3,003/year

93%

+4%

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About the 2006 Mercedes CL

The 2006 Mercedes CL is a premium performance car. Our records list a 5439cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 79 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 10% of all 2006 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 94,133 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes CL owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2006 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 £1,958 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 2006 Mercedes CL?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,153 (£263/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 89% 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 2006 Mercedes CL

At 20 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 79 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 20 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 2006 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(2006)	89%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153
Mercedes CLK(2004)	76%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303+£150
Mercedes SL(2004)	88%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153same
Mercedes ML(2006)	80%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153same
Aston Martin DB9(2005)	93%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,003-£150

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 2006 Mercedes CL

Is the 2006 Mercedes CL reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 89% of MOT tests on 2006 Mercedes CLs ended in a pass, from 79 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2006 Mercedes CL cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,153 a year (£263 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2006 Mercedes CL?

89% of 79 MOT tests on the 2006 Mercedes CL ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 52nd of 554 models first registered in 2006 (top 10%).

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 2006 Mercedes CL?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2006 Mercedes CL is 94,133 miles, which is below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.