Mercedes CL 500 (2012)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 83 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,153

£263/month

MOT Pass Rate

87%

Good

Road Tax

£790

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

4966cc Petrol

Solid Option

87% pass rate, £3,153/year to run. 5 points above average.

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Petrol4966cc14 years old83 tests76k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4966cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£790

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£3,153

Per month£263/mo

Per week£61/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

87% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

87% of MOT tests on Mercedes CL 500s from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 83 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 75,710 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 models201st of 650(top half)

Rank among Mercedes models818th of 1,376(bottom half)

vs average of all models+5%(82% avg)

vs 2012 models average+9%(78% avg)

vs Mercedes average+0%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

75,710

Average miles

88,800

Expected for age

The average 2012 Mercedes CL 500 had 75,710 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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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 2012 scores 87%. 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

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2011 · 4999cc Petrol

£3,153/year

85%

-2%

Mercedes SLK

2014 · 5461cc Petrol

£3,153/year

87%

same

BMW X5

2010 · 4799cc Petrol

£3,153/year

86%

-1%

Jaguar F-Type

2014 · 5000cc Petrol

£3,003/year

94%

+7%

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About the 2012 Mercedes CL 500

The 2012 Mercedes CL 500 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 4966cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 83 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 75,710 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes CL 500 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2012 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 £1,958 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 2012 Mercedes CL 500?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,153 (£263/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 87% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

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 2012 Mercedes CL 500

At 14 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 83 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 14 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.

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 2012 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(2012)	87%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153
Land Rover Range Rover Sport(2011)	85%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153same
Mercedes SLK(2014)	87%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153same
BMW X5(2010)	86%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153same
Jaguar F-Type(2014)	94%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,003-£150

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 2012 Mercedes CL 500

Is the 2012 Mercedes CL 500 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 87% of MOT tests on 2012 Mercedes CL 500s ended in a pass, from 83 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 5 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2012 Mercedes CL 500 cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,153 a year (£263 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 Mercedes CL 500?

87% of 83 MOT tests on the 2012 Mercedes CL 500 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 201st of 650 models first registered in 2012 (top half).

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 2012 Mercedes CL 500?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Mercedes CL 500 is 75,710 miles, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.