2002 · 22 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2002 Mercedes-Benz Cl 500 MOT pass rate and common faults

218 MOT tests in 2024. 70.2% passed first time, compared with 58.1% for all cars the same age.

121Well above average
Passed first time70.2%
Failed or needed repairs29.8%
Typical mileage at test110,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 218 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn2.8%
  2. Individual direction indicators: not working2.8%
  3. Position lamp: not working2.3%
  4. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.3%
  5. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault2.3%
  6. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed2.3%
    6 marked dangerous
  7. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play1.8%
  8. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak1.8%
  9. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded1.8%
  10. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault1.8%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics16.5%
  2. Brakes12.8%
  3. Suspension9.6%
  4. Body & chassis7.3%
  5. Emissions & leaks6.9%
  6. Tyres6.0%
  7. Steering3.2%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded15.1%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine12.8%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm12.4%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened12.4%
  5. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak7.8%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2002 Mercedes-Benz Cl 500?

In 2024, 70.2% of 2002 Mercedes-Benz Cl 500 cars passed their MOT first time, across 218 tests. The average for all 22-year-old cars was 58.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2002 Mercedes-Benz Cl 500?

The most common failure reasons were suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn; individual direction indicators: not working; position lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2002 Mercedes-Benz Cl 500 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 121, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).