2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK · 15,766 MOT tests
2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK reliability
2005 Mercedes-Benz CLKs fail 38.1% of first MOT tests, 12% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 12 CLK years (15,766 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz CLKs: 36.7%)
- 38.1%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz CLKs: 36.7%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 12% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- 103,586
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 15,766
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2005 against the years either side
- 2004 cars: 13% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2005 car does worse)
- 2006 cars: 11% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2005 car does better)
- Weak spot: wheels, 1.2% of tests fail here (118% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 74% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2005 car carries a 54 plate (January–February 2005), or a 05 plate (March–August 2005), or a 55 plate (September–December 2005).
Common problems
What fails on a 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK
Fail rate by area
- Suspension19.6%
- Lights and electrics15.3%
- Brakes9.5%
- Tyres6.9%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks6.4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.7%
- Steering3.6%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 6.28%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 6.28%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 4.12%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 3.05%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.44%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed 2.39%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the linkage joint, speeding wear and possibly needing a future repair.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (14.66%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (13.22%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (6.46%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (6.06%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (6.01%) · Suspension ball joint slight play (5.82%)
Other years
Every Mercedes-Benz CLK year
The full picture: Mercedes-Benz CLK reliability. Before you pay for any Mercedes-Benz CLK, 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK reliable?
2005 Mercedes-Benz CLKs fail 38.1% of first MOT tests, 12% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 12 CLK years (15,766 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (6.28% of tests), suspension ball joint excessively worn (6.28% of tests), headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect (4.12% of tests).
How many miles should a 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK have done?
At its MOT aged about 18, a typical 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK shows 103,586 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2005 car?
A car first registered in 2005 carries a 54 plate (January–February 2005), or a 05 plate (March–August 2005), or a 55 plate (September–December 2005).
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