MERCEDES CL (2008)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 241 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,757
£230/month
MOT Pass Rate
80%
Good
Road Tax
£760
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
6209cc Petrol
Solid Option
80% pass rate, £2757/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 6209cc
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 18 years old, 80% of MERCEDES CLs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 241 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 78,575 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
78,575
Average miles
133,200
Expected for age
The average 2008 MERCEDES CL has 78,575 miles on the clock, 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?
The most reliable year is the 2012 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 76%. The 2008 sits between the two at 80%.
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
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About the 2008 MERCEDES CL
The 2008 MERCEDES CL is a performance with a 6209cc petrol engine. 241 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 78,575 miles at 18 years old, MERCEDES CL owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2008 MERCEDES CL Fuel Costs
The 6209cc 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 2008 MERCEDES CL?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,757 (£230/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
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 2008 MERCEDES CL
At 18 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
Based on the 2008 MERCEDES CL's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 18 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 riskLarger 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 riskAlways 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 2008 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(2008) | 80% | £1592 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £2757 |
| BENTLEY CONTINENTAL(2007) | 94% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2097-£660 |
| ASTON MARTIN DB9(2007) | 94% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2097-£660 |
| MERCEDES SL(2010) | 88% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£510 |
| MERCEDES R-CLASS(2007) | 74% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397-£360 |
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.
Related Mercedes Models
Explore other Mercedes cars or similar models in the same category.
MERCEDES A
2019 · 1461cc Diesel
MERCEDES C
2017 · 1991cc Hybrid
MERCEDES A-CLASS
2017 · 1461cc Diesel
BENTLEY CONTINENTAL
2007 · 5998cc Petrol
ASTON MARTIN DB9
2007 · 5935cc Petrol
MERCEDES SL
2010 · 6208cc Petrol
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