MERCEDES CL 500 (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 334 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
80%
Total Tests (2024)
334
Avg Mileage
102,668 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,247
Is the 2003 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 21 years old, 80% of MERCEDES CL 500s from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 334 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 102,668 miles.
How does the 2003 MERCEDES CL 500 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 MERCEDES CL 500 has 102,668 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-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 2003 sits between the two at 80%.
How much does a 2003 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 2003 MERCEDES CL 500
The 2003 MERCEDES CL 500 is a performance with a 4966cc petrol engine. 334 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 22% of all 2003 cars for reliability.
With an average of 102,668 miles at 21 years old, MERCEDES CL 500 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2003 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 2003 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 80% 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 2003 MERCEDES CL 500
At 21 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 2003 MERCEDES CL 500
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- BMW X5 (2005) 77% pass rate (-3%) from 11,188 tests
- MERCEDES CLK (2004) 76% pass rate (-4%) from 8,352 tests
- MERCEDES SL (2003) 86% pass rate (+6%) from 5,173 tests
- ROVER 75 (2004) 69% pass rate (-11%) from 4,012 tests