1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK than on all cars registered in 1998.

• Headlights2.4× usual
  Mercedes-Benz CLK

  11.1% All 1998 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 2.6% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Side repeaters5.5× usual
  Mercedes-Benz CLK

  6% All 1998 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 0.8% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Individual direction indicators2.4× usual
  Mercedes-Benz CLK

  8% All 1998 cars

  3.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 1.6% of all 1998 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.

• Brake pads2× usual
  Mercedes-Benz CLK

  9.2% All 1998 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 1% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Transmission oil leaks2.6× usual
  Mercedes-Benz CLK

  5.5% All 1998 cars

  2.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

Common 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  40% 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 electrics
  39% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Brakes
  38% 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
  30% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  19% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  11% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK

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

1. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the side repeaters? (Flagged at MOT 5.5× as often on the 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the individual direction indicators? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?