1999 · 25 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK MOT pass rate and common faults

782 MOT tests in 2024. 66.1% passed first time, compared with 63.3% for all cars the same age.

104Above average
Passed first time66.1%
Failed or needed repairs33.9%
Typical mileage at test101,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 782 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.6%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.6%
  3. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault2.4%
  4. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.4%
  5. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.2%
  6. Coil spring: fractured or broken2.0%
  7. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.9%
    38 marked dangerous
  8. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn1.9%
  9. Position lamp: not working1.9%
  10. Service brake performance: excessively binding1.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics25.7%
  2. Brakes17.6%
  3. Suspension8.7%
  4. Emissions & leaks7.8%
  5. Tyres7.4%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.6%
  7. Body & chassis5.5%
  8. Seat belts & airbags3.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded22.9%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.1%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine13.0%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened12.8%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure10.1%

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: wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 1998 CLKAll CLK years2000 CLK →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK?

In 2024, 66.1% of 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK cars passed their MOT first time, across 782 tests. The average for all 25-year-old cars was 63.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK?

The most common failure reasons were wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded; srs malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 104, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).