CarCostCheck

MERCEDES CL 500 (2012)

Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 83 real MOT tests in 2024.

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MOT Pass Rate

87%

Total Tests (2024)

83

Avg Mileage

75,710 mi

Est. Annual Cost

£2,247

Is the 2012 MERCEDES CL 500 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.

At 12 years old, 87% of MERCEDES CL 500s from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 83 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 75,710 miles.

How does the 2012 MERCEDES CL 500 compare?

Rank among all 2012 cars210th out of 685(top 31%)
Rank among all MERCEDES models830th out of 1,408(top 59%)
vs national average+5% (82% avg)
vs 2012 cars average+9% (78% avg)
vs MERCEDES average+0% (87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

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

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 2012 sits between the two at 87%.

How much does a 2012 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 2012 MERCEDES CL 500

The 2012 MERCEDES CL 500 is a performance with a 4966cc petrol engine. 83 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 75,710 miles at 12 years old, 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2012 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 87% 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 2012 MERCEDES CL 500

At 12 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.

Alternatives to the 2012 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: