2003 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class · 1,108 MOT tests
2003 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class reliability
2003 Mercedes-Benz CL-Classs fail 23.6% of first MOT tests, 45% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 3 CL-Class years (1,108 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz CL-Classs: 20.8%)
- 23.6%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz CL-Classs: 20.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 45% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- 100,092
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,108
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 44% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- 2004 cars: 51% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- Weak spot: wheels, 1% of tests fail here (129% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 85% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2003 car carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Common problems
What fails on a 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
Fail rate by area
- Suspension9.6%
- Lights and electrics8.6%
- Brakes5.8%
- Tyres5.1%
- Steering3.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 2.71%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.9%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 1.81%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 1.71%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.44%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Side repeater not working 1.35%
A failed side repeater means other road users cannot see your intended direction change, which is dangerous and must be fixed.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (13.09%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (11.1%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (9.03%) · Suspension ball joint slight play (5.6%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (4.87%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (4.6%)
Other years
Every Mercedes-Benz CL-Class year
The full picture: Mercedes-Benz CL-Class reliability. Before you pay for any Mercedes-Benz CL-Class, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class reliable?
2003 Mercedes-Benz CL-Classs fail 23.6% of first MOT tests, 45% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 3 CL-Class years (1,108 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class MOT?
Most often suspension ball joint excessively worn (2.71% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.9% of tests), airbag warning lamp shows fault (1.81% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class have done?
At its MOT aged about 20, a typical 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class shows 100,092 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2003 car?
A car first registered in 2003 carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
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