1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK than on all cars registered in 1999.

• Headlights2.1× usual
  Mercedes-Benz CLK

  12.2% All 1999 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 2.8% of all 1999 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.

• Wheel bearings2× usual
  Mercedes-Benz CLK

  11.2% All 1999 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 1% of all 1999 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.

• Side repeaters4.7× usual
  Mercedes-Benz CLK

  5.6% All 1999 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 0.7% of all 1999 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.

• Sub-frame2.3× usual
  Mercedes-Benz CLK

  8.2% All 1999 cars

  3.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.2% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Transmission oil leaks2.1× usual
  Mercedes-Benz CLK

  4.9% All 1999 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 1999 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 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• 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.

• Suspension
  38% 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
  36% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  28% 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
  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.

• Rust and bodywork
  10% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1999 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 2.1× as often on the 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the side repeaters? (Flagged at MOT 4.7× as often on the 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?