Mercedes CL 500 (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 38 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,088

£257/month

MOT Pass Rate

68%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

4973cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

68% pass rate, £3,088/year to run. 14 points below average.

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Petrol4973cc29 years old38 tests107k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4973cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£3,088

Per month£257/mo

Per week£59/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

68% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 14 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mercedes brand average of 87%.

68% of MOT tests on Mercedes CL 500s from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 38 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 107,424 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models265th of 306(bottom 14%)

Rank among Mercedes models1349th of 1,376(bottom 3%)

vs average of all models-14%(82% avg)

vs 1997 models average-7%(75% avg)

vs Mercedes average-19%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

107,424

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 Mercedes CL 500 had 107,424 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-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 2007 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 88%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 76%. The 1997 scores 68%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Mercedes CL 500 by Year

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

Similar Cars to Consider

Mercedes SL

1997 · 4973cc Petrol

£2,738/year

87%

+19%

TVR Chimaera

1999 · 4546cc Petrol

£2,738/year

88%

+20%

Toyota Land Cruiser

1998 · 4477cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

+10%

TVR Cerbera

1998 · 4475cc Petrol

£2,738/year

86%

+18%

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About the 1997 Mercedes CL 500

The 1997 Mercedes CL 500 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 4973cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 38 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 14% of 1997 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 107,424 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes CL 500 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1997 Mercedes CL 500 Fuel Costs

The 4973cc 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 1997 Mercedes CL 500?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,088 (£257/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 68% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Mercedes CL 500 Reliability Trend

The Mercedes CL 500 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1997 Mercedes CL 500

At 29 years old, the Mercedes CL 500 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 2007 model has the highest pass rate at 88%. Note: with only 38 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 29 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

Watch out

With an average of 107k 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.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 68% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

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 1997 Mercedes CL 500 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 500(1997)	68%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£3,088
Mercedes SL(1997)	87%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738-£350
TVR Chimaera(1999)	88%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738-£350
Toyota Land Cruiser(1998)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888-£200
TVR Cerbera(1998)	86%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738-£350

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 1997 Mercedes CL 500

Is the 1997 Mercedes CL 500 reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 68% of MOT tests on 1997 Mercedes CL 500s ended in a pass, from 38 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 14 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1997 Mercedes CL 500 cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,088 a year (£257 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Mercedes CL 500?

68% of 38 MOT tests on the 1997 Mercedes CL 500 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 265th of 306 models first registered in 1997 (bottom 14%).

Which year Mercedes CL 500 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2007 Mercedes CL 500 has the highest MOT pass rate at 88% and the 2000 the lowest at 76%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1997 Mercedes CL 500?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Mercedes CL 500 is 107,424 miles, which is below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.