2001 · 23 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2001 Mercedes-Benz Cl 500 MOT pass rate and common faults

133 MOT tests in 2024. 80.5% passed first time, compared with 59.4% for all cars the same age.

135Well above average
Passed first time80.5%
Failed or needed repairs19.6%
Typical mileage at test106,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 133 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Individual direction indicators: not working4.5%
  2. Position lamp: not working4.5%
  3. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn3.0%
  4. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault3.0%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.0%
  6. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak2.3%
  7. Individual direction indicators: incorrect colour1.5%
  8. Headlamp aim: too high1.5%
  9. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect1.5%
  10. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits1.5%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics20.3%
  2. Suspension12.0%
  3. Brakes8.3%
  4. Emissions & leaks5.3%
  5. Tyres3.8%
  6. Body & chassis3.8%
  7. Seat belts & airbags3.0%
  8. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm16.5%
  2. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak12.8%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened10.5%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine10.5%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded9.8%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: individual direction indicators: not working. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2001 Mercedes-Benz Cl 500?

In 2024, 80.5% of 2001 Mercedes-Benz Cl 500 cars passed their MOT first time, across 133 tests. The average for all 23-year-old cars was 59.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2001 Mercedes-Benz Cl 500?

The most common failure reasons were individual direction indicators: not working; position lamp: not working; suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2001 Mercedes-Benz Cl 500 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 135, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).