1997 Mercedes-Benz CL: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Mercedes-Benz CL first registered in 1997: we looked at the 130 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 130 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 1997 Mercedes-Benz CL MOT failures and advisories
The share of 1997 Mercedes-Benz CL MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes32% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Suspension29% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Lights and electrics23% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Oil and fluid leaks18% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
- Tyres15% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Rust and bodywork11% of testsRough price £150–£1,000
At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1997 Mercedes-Benz CL
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Mercedes-Benz CL?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Mercedes-Benz CL compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 278 | Tyres 27% |
| 2013 | 314 | Tyres 25% |
| 2012 | 303 | Brakes 27% |
| 2011 | 331 | Brakes 23% |
| 2010 | 464 | Brakes 31% |
| 2009 | 579 | Brakes 29% |
| 2008 | 696 | Brakes 28% |
| 2007 | 1,296 | Brakes 31% |
| 2006 | 234 | Brakes 26% |
| 2005 | 557 | Brakes 32% |
| 2004 | 639 | Brakes 31% |
| 2003 | 868 | Suspension 30% |
| 2002 | 1,132 | Brakes 35% |
| 2001 | 626 | Suspension 34% |
| 2000 | 538 | Suspension 37% |
| 1999 | – | Too few tests |
| 1998 | 140 | Brakes 31% |
| 1996 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Mercedes-Benz CL cars first registered in 1997. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score