Used car guide

2010 Mercedes-Benz CL 500: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2010 Mercedes-Benz CL 500s, from 100 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 100 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

100MOT tests in 2025
79%pass first time (all 2010 cars: 59%)
5,800typical miles a year
29%had brakes flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2010 Mercedes-Benz CL 500 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    29% 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
    25% 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
    23% 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
    16% 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
    7% 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
    7% 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.

Looking at a Mercedes-Benz CL 500?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2009141Suspension 25%
2008136Brakes 29%
2007195Brakes 31%
2005136Brakes 36%
2004128Brakes 38%
2003150Suspension 31%
2002196Brakes 37%
2001136Brakes 32%
2000119Suspension 34%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2010 Mercedes-Benz CL 500s registered in 2010. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score