1998 · 26 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK MOT pass rate and common faults

227 MOT tests in 2024. 60.4% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

93Below average
Passed first time60.4%
Failed or needed repairs39.6%
Typical mileage at test94,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 227 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Position lamp: not working5.7%
  2. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect5.3%
  3. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength5.3%
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.5%
  5. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed3.1%
    16 marked dangerous
  6. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault3.1%
  7. Side repeaters: incorrect colour2.6%
  8. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.6%
  9. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.6%
    20 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics35.2%
  2. Brakes16.3%
  3. Suspension14.5%
  4. Emissions & leaks11.5%
  5. Tyres7.9%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.5%
  7. Body & chassis7.5%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm18.5%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded16.7%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine16.3%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened10.6%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.3%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: position lamp: not working. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All CLK years1999 CLK →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK?

In 2024, 60.4% of 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK cars passed their MOT first time, across 227 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK?

The most common failure reasons were position lamp: not working; headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 93, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).