Mercedes CLS (2012)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 2,664 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,491

£208/month

MOT Pass Rate

83%

Good

Road Tax

£410

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2987cc Diesel

Solid Option

83% pass rate, £2,491/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

Buying this car? Check for finance, write-offs & theft

£4.99

Check a specific Mercedes CLS

Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.

Diesel2987cc14 years old2,664 tests98k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2987cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£410

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,491

Per month£208/mo

Per week£48/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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

83% 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. It falls below the Mercedes brand average of 87%.

83% of MOT tests on Mercedes CLSs from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 2,664 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 97,844 miles.

Got a Mercedes CLS you're looking at?

Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 models287th of 650(top half)

Rank among Mercedes models952nd of 1,376(bottom half)

vs average of all models+1%(82% avg)

vs 2012 models average+5%(78% avg)

vs Mercedes average-4%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

97,844

Average miles

88,800

Expected for age

The average 2012 Mercedes CLS had 97,844 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.

Looking at a specific Mercedes CLS?

Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 90%, while the 2009 model has the lowest at 78%. The 2012 scores 83%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Land Rover Range Rover

2013 · 2926cc Diesel

£2,491/year

88%

+5%

Audi A4

2011 · 2967cc Diesel

£2,491/year

82%

-1%

Jaguar XF

2014 · 2993cc Diesel

£2,491/year

84%

+1%

Audi A5

2013 · 2967cc Diesel

£2,491/year

85%

+2%

Check a Specific Mercedes CLS

Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.

Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.

About the 2012 Mercedes CLS

The 2012 Mercedes CLS is a premium performance car. Our records list a 2987cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 2,664 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight 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 97,844 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes CLS owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2012 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 £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 2012 Mercedes CLS?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,491 (£208/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 83% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Mercedes CLS Reliability Trend

Newer Mercedes CLSs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 7 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2012 Mercedes CLS

At 14 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 90%.

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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger 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 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.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With an average of 98k 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 risk

High-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 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 CLS 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 CLS(2012)	83%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,491
Land Rover Range Rover(2013)	88%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,491same
Audi A4(2011)	82%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,491same
Jaguar XF(2014)	84%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,491same
Audi A5(2013)	85%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,491same

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 CLS

Is the 2012 Mercedes CLS reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 83% of MOT tests on 2012 Mercedes CLSs ended in a pass, from 2,664 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2012 Mercedes CLS cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,491 a year (£208 a month): £1,676 fuel, £410 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 CLS?

83% of 2,664 MOT tests on the 2012 Mercedes CLS ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 287th of 650 models first registered in 2012 (top half).

Which year Mercedes CLS has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 Mercedes CLS has the highest MOT pass rate at 90% and the 2009 the lowest at 78%. 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 CLS?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Mercedes CLS is 97,844 miles, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.