CarCostCheck

Mercedes CL (2011)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 159 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

6208cc Petrol

Solid Option

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

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Petrol6208cc15 years old159 tests74k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 6208cc)

~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 2011 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 13 years old. That's based on 159 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 73,701 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2011 models121st of 595(top 21%)
Rank among Mercedes models704th of 1,376(bottom half)
vs average of all models+7%(82% avg)
vs 2011 models average+12%(77% avg)
vs Mercedes average+2%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

73,701

Average miles

vs

96,200

Expected for age

The average 2011 Mercedes CL had 73,701 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-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 2011 scores 89%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Mercedes CL by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
2021100%3814,783 mi
201491%24661,866 mi
201387%27661,865 mi
201294%17266,464 mi
201189%15973,701 mi
201085%15077,076 mi
200981%11986,705 mi
200880%24178,575 mi
200788%468104,864 mi
200689%7994,133 mi
200593%7094,005 mi
200487%11279,723 mi
200386%250105,101 mi
200282%33094,742 mi
200178%116116,951 mi
200076%7891,007 mi
199978%7216,669 mi
199879%113101,277 mi
199792%118104,546 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

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About the 2011 Mercedes CL

The 2011 Mercedes CL is a premium performance car. Our records list a 6208cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 159 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 21% of all 2011 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 73,701 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes CL owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2011 Mercedes CL Fuel Costs

The 6208cc 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 2011 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 2011 Mercedes CL

At 15 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 15 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 2011 Mercedes CL stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrEst. Ins. GroupTotal/yr
Mercedes CL(2011)89%£1,958£790Grp 35-50£3,153
Bentley Continental(2012)95%£1,958£790Grp 35-50£3,003-£150
Mercedes SL(2010)88%£1,958£790Grp 35-50£3,153same
Aston Martin Vantage(2013)97%£1,958£790Grp 35-50£3,003-£150
Aston Martin Vanquish(2013)97%£1,958£790Grp 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 2011 Mercedes CL

Is the 2011 Mercedes CL reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 89% of MOT tests on 2011 Mercedes CLs ended in a pass, from 159 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 2011 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 2011 Mercedes CL?

89% of 159 MOT tests on the 2011 Mercedes CL ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 121st of 595 models first registered in 2011 (top 21%).

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 2011 Mercedes CL?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2011 Mercedes CL is 73,701 miles, which is below the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Related Mercedes Models

Explore other Mercedes cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the Mercedes CL.

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