2008 · 16 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2008 Mercedes-Benz Cl 500 MOT pass rate and common faults

127 MOT tests in 2024. 74.0% passed first time, compared with 56.9% for all cars the same age.

130Well above average
Passed first time74.0%
Failed or needed repairs26.0%
Typical mileage at test94,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 127 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.1%
    4 marked dangerous
  2. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed2.4%
    3 marked dangerous
  3. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault2.4%
  4. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.4%
  5. Service brake performance: excessively binding1.6%
  6. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.6%
    3 marked dangerous
  7. Electronic parking brake: warning indicates a malfunction1.6%
  8. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak1.6%
  9. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.6%
    4 marked dangerous
  10. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements1.6%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes19.7%
  2. Tyres8.7%
  3. Suspension5.5%
  4. Emissions & leaks3.1%
  5. Lights & electrics3.1%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.4%
  7. Number plates & VIN1.6%
  8. Seat belts & airbags0.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.7%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded12.6%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.1%
  4. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak6.3%
  5. Wheel bearings: has excessive play5.5%

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: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz Cl 500?

In 2024, 74.0% of 2008 Mercedes-Benz Cl 500 cars passed their MOT first time, across 127 tests. The average for all 16-year-old cars was 56.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2008 Mercedes-Benz Cl 500?

The most common failure reasons were tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed; anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an abs fault. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Cl 500 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 130, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).