2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS petrol than on all cars registered in 2007.

• Rigid brake pipes1.8× usual
  Mercedes-Benz CLS

  19.2% All 2007 cars

  10.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 1.9% of all 2007 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 joint2× usual
  Mercedes-Benz CLS

  12.6% All 2007 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.3%, against 3.1% of all 2007 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.

Common 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  34% 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
  29% 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.

• Suspension
  27% 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
  19% 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
  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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  11% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS petrol

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 1.8× as often on the 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?