MERCEDES CL 500 (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 35 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
83%
Total Tests (2024)
35
Avg Mileage
115,969 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,247
Is the 1998 MERCEDES CL 500 reliable?
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 26 years old, 83% of MERCEDES CL 500s from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 35 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 115,969 miles.
How does the 1998 MERCEDES CL 500 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 MERCEDES CL 500 has 115,969 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a MERCEDES CL 500?
The most reliable year is the 2007 model with a 88% MOT pass rate, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 76%. The 1998 sits between the two at 83%.
How much does a 1998 MERCEDES CL 500 cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
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 |
Checking a specific MERCEDES CL 500?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 MERCEDES CL 500
The 1998 MERCEDES CL 500 is a performance with a 4973cc petrol engine. 35 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 21% of all 1998 cars for reliability.
With an average of 115,969 miles at 26 years old, MERCEDES CL 500 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1998 MERCEDES CL 500?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,247 (£187/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 83% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
MERCEDES CL 500 Reliability Trend
Newer MERCEDES CL 500s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 MERCEDES CL 500
At 26 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 35 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1998 MERCEDES CL 500
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MERCEDES SL (1997) 87% pass rate (+4%) from 2,117 tests
- MERCEDES CLK (2000) 81% pass rate (-2%) from 2,099 tests
- TVR CHIMAERA (1999) 88% pass rate (+5%) from 1,468 tests
- TOYOTA LAND CRUISER (1998) 78% pass rate (-5%) from 1,301 tests