Mercedes Cl 500
Reliability, running costs, and MOT data across 16 years from 3,842 real MOT tests.
Avg Pass Rate
85%
Total Tests
3,842
Best Year
1999 (100%)
Years Covered
16
About the Mercedes Cl 500
The Mercedes Cl 500 has been tested 3,842 times in 2026 MOT data across 16 model years (1997 to 2012), with an average pass rate of 85%. That's slightly above the national average of 82%. Available as petrol.
Best and Worst Years
The 1999 model is the most reliable with a 100% pass rate from 30 tests. The 1997 model has the lowest at 68%. With a 32 point spread, choosing the right year makes a big difference to reliability.
Reliability Trend
Newer MERCEDES CL 500s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
Mileage Across Years
The oldest model in our data (1997) averages 107,424 miles, while the newest (2012) averages 75,710 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.
Estimated Running Costs
Based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
Full 2012 detailsHow reliable is the Mercedes Cl 500?
Mercedes Cl 500 by Year
Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 87% | 83 | 75,710 mi | |
| 2011 | 88% | 136 | 79,907 mi | |
| 2010 | 87% | 228 | 84,220 mi | |
| 2009 | 84% | 361 | 85,323 mi | |
| 2008 | 86% | 323 | 92,277 mi | |
| 2007 | 88% | 488 | 89,544 mi | |
| 2006 | 86% | 96 | 88,285 mi | |
| 2005 | 81% | 281 | 94,471 mi | |
| 2004 | 87% | 341 | 95,245 mi | |
| 2003 | 80% | 334 | 102,668 mi | |
| 2002 | 84% | 490 | 114,252 mi | |
| 2001 | 88% | 295 | 107,605 mi | |
| 2000 | 76% | 283 | 108,884 mi | |
| 1999 | 100% | 30 | 100,124 mi | |
| 1998 | 83% | 35 | 115,969 mi | |
| 1997 | 68% | 38 | 107,424 mi |
Mercedes Cl 500 Guides & Articles
Cars That Lose Value Fastest: Models to Avoid for Depreciation
8 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Run in 2026: Real Data from 19.8 Million MOT Tests
9 min read
Reliability20 Most Reliable Used Cars UK 2026: Real MOT Pass Rate Rankings
10 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Problems: 7 Issues Owners Report (2026)
13 min read
Checking a specific Mercedes Cl 500?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.