MERCEDES CLS (2009)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 2,541 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,195
£183/month
MOT Pass Rate
78%
Average
Road Tax
£395
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 30-42
2987cc Diesel
Check Carefully
78% pass rate, £2195/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Based on 2987cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 17 years old, 78% of MERCEDES CLSs from 2009 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 2,541 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 114,393 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
114,393
Average miles
125,800
Expected for age
The average 2009 MERCEDES CLS has 114,393 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 125,800 miles for a 17-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 90% MOT pass rate, while the 2009 model has the lowest at 78%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
MERCEDES CLS by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 90% | 149 | 25,838 mi | |
| 2020 | 85% | 708 | 33,613 mi | |
| 2019 | 90% | 2,938 | 42,687 mi | |
| 2018 | 89% | 2,552 | 49,336 mi | |
| 2017 | 87% | 3,475 | 61,581 mi | |
| 2016 | 87% | 4,786 | 69,870 mi | |
| 2015 | 87% | 6,871 | 81,130 mi | |
| 2014 | 85% | 4,192 | 86,883 mi | |
| 2013 | 83% | 7,096 | 95,825 mi | |
| 2012 | 83% | 2,664 | 97,844 mi | |
| 2011 | 82% | 2,675 | 100,976 mi | |
| 2010 | 79% | 2,428 | 110,846 mi | |
| 2009 | 78% | 2,541 | 114,393 mi | |
| 2008 | 78% | 2,982 | 122,863 mi | |
| 2007 | 78% | 3,915 | 122,774 mi | |
| 2006 | 79% | 3,184 | 117,836 mi | |
| 2005 | 81% | 1,944 | 108,622 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2009 MERCEDES CLS
The 2009 MERCEDES CLS is a large car with a 2987cc diesel engine. 2,541 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2009, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 114,393 miles at 17 years old, MERCEDES CLS owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2009 MERCEDES CLS Fuel Costs
The 2987cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2009 MERCEDES CLS?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,195 (£183/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
MERCEDES CLS Reliability Trend
Newer MERCEDES CLSs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 7 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2009 MERCEDES CLS
At 17 years old, the MERCEDES CLS 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2009 MERCEDES CLS's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Clutch Wear
Watch outWith an average of 114k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 2009 MERCEDES CLS stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MERCEDES CLS(2009) | 78% | £1245 | £395 | Grp 30-42 | £2195 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2008) | 80% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £1900-£295 |
| AUDI A4(2011) | 82% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £1900-£295 |
| AUDI A5(2010) | 82% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £1900-£295 |
| JAGUAR XF(2010) | 80% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £1900-£295 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Mercedes Models
Explore other Mercedes cars or similar models in the same category.
MERCEDES A
2019 · 1461cc Diesel
MERCEDES C
2017 · 1991cc Hybrid
MERCEDES A-CLASS
2017 · 1461cc Diesel
BMW 3 SERIES
2008 · 2926cc Diesel
AUDI A4
2011 · 2967cc Diesel
AUDI A5
2010 · 2967cc Diesel
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