Used car guide

2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLSs, from 1,165 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

1,165MOT tests in 2025
69%pass first time (all 2008 cars: 57%)
7,100typical miles a year
2.2×the usual rate for rigid brake pipes

What stands out

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

  • Rigid brake pipes2.2× usual
    Mercedes-Benz CLS
    21.3% All 2008 cars
    9.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 1.5% 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 joint2.3× usual
    Mercedes-Benz CLS
    15.1% All 2008 cars
    6.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 5.8%, 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.

  • Steering rack inner joints2.6× usual
    Mercedes-Benz CLS
    7.5% All 2008 cars
    2.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Wheel bearings2.4× usual
    Mercedes-Benz CLS
    6.2% All 2008 cars
    2.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, 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.

Better than most

Number plate lights: 2.9% here, against 8.9% of all 2008 cars. Shock absorbers: 3.3% here, against 8% of all 2008 cars.

By area

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

  • Brakes
    39% 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.

  • Suspension
    37% 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.

  • Tyres
    34% 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
    18% 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.

Looking at a Mercedes-Benz CLS?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20191,078Tyres 24%
2018947Tyres 26%
20171,469Tyres 31%
20162,088Tyres 31%
20152,870Tyres 30%
20141,729Brakes 36%
20132,980Brakes 40%
20121,067Brakes 37%
20111,108Brakes 36%
2010981Brakes 37%
2009952Brakes 39%
20071,437Brakes 42%
20061,142Brakes 40%
2005824Brakes 36%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLSs registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score