2001 Mercedes-Benz CL: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 Mercedes-Benz CL?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2001 Mercedes-Benz CL than on all cars registered in 2001.

• Shock absorbers2.4× usual
  Mercedes-Benz CL

  14.5% All 2001 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 1.4% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Ball joint1.9× usual
  Mercedes-Benz CL

  11.3% All 2001 cars

  5.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 2.4% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Individual direction indicators2.2× usual
  Mercedes-Benz CL

  7.8% All 2001 cars

  3.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 1.6% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2001 Mercedes-Benz CL MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 Mercedes-Benz CL MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  34% 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.

• Brakes
  31% 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.

• Tyres
  26% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  26% 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 leaks
  15% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  7% 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 2001 Mercedes-Benz CL

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2001 Mercedes-Benz CL as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2001 Mercedes-Benz CL as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the individual direction indicators? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2001 Mercedes-Benz CL as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?