CarCostCheck

MERCEDES CL 500 (2001)

Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 295 real MOT tests in 2024.

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MOT Pass Rate

88%

Total Tests (2024)

295

Avg Mileage

107,605 mi

Est. Annual Cost

£2,247

Is the 2001 MERCEDES CL 500 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the national average of 82%.

At 23 years old, 88% of MERCEDES CL 500s from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 295 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 107,605 miles.

How does the 2001 MERCEDES CL 500 compare?

Rank among all 2001 cars36th out of 362(top 10%)
Rank among all MERCEDES models768th out of 1,408(top 55%)
vs national average+6% (82% avg)
vs 2001 cars average+15% (73% avg)
vs MERCEDES average+1% (87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

The average 2001 MERCEDES CL 500 has 107,605 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-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 2001 sits between the two at 88%.

How much does a 2001 MERCEDES CL 500 cost to run?

⛽Fuel (Petrol, 4966cc)
£1,592
🏛️Road Tax
£250
🔧MOT Test
£55
🛠️Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£2,247
Per month£187/mo

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

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
201287%8375,710 mi
201188%13679,907 mi
201087%22884,220 mi
200984%36185,323 mi
200886%32392,277 mi
200788%48889,544 mi
200686%9688,285 mi
200581%28194,471 mi
200487%34195,245 mi
200380%334102,668 mi
200284%490114,252 mi
200188%295107,605 mi
200076%283108,884 mi
1999100%30100,124 mi
199883%35115,969 mi
199768%38107,424 mi

Checking a specific MERCEDES CL 500?

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About the 2001 MERCEDES CL 500

The 2001 MERCEDES CL 500 is a performance with a 4966cc petrol engine. 295 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 10% of all 2001 cars for reliability.

With an average of 107,605 miles at 23 years old, MERCEDES CL 500 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2001 MERCEDES CL 500 Fuel Costs

The 4966cc 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 2001 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 88% 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 2001 MERCEDES CL 500

At 23 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%.

Alternatives to the 2001 MERCEDES CL 500

The MERCEDES CL 500 is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol performances from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines: