2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK diesel than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Rigid brake pipes3.1× usual
  Mercedes-Benz CLK

  28.5% All 2008 cars

  9.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 1.7% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Ball joint3.4× usual
  Mercedes-Benz CLK

  21.5% All 2008 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 12.1%, against 3.2% of all 2008 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.

• Wheel bearings3.5× usual
  Mercedes-Benz CLK

  8.8% All 2008 cars

  2.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 1% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints6.6× usual
  Mercedes-Benz CLK

  5.9% All 2008 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 0.2% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes5.4× usual
  Mercedes-Benz CLK

  4.9% All 2008 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0.2% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Common 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  54% 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
  47% 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
  36% 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
  32% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  12% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  11% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?