2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS · 3,723 MOT tests
2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS reliability
2005 Mercedes-Benz CLSs fail 28.2% of first MOT tests, 35% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 15 CLS years (3,723 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz CLSs: 24%)
- 28.2%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz CLSs: 24%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 35% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- 104,649
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 3,723
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2005 against the years either side
- 2006 cars: 34% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2005 car does better)
- Weak spot: wheels, 1.2% of tests fail here (121% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 77% 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 CLS
Fail rate by area
- Suspension10.1%
- Lights and electrics9.7%
- Brakes7.7%
- Tyres7.4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks5.4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.1%
- Steering2.7%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 4.19%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 2.87%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.34%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 2.31%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 2.23%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Dipped beam headlamp not working 1.58%
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (14.93%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (13.3%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (9.05%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (6.26%) · Suspension ball joint slight play (6.02%) · Brake pads wearing thin (5.51%)
Other years
Every Mercedes-Benz CLS year
The full picture: Mercedes-Benz CLS reliability. Before you pay for any Mercedes-Benz CLS, 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 CLS reliable?
2005 Mercedes-Benz CLSs fail 28.2% of first MOT tests, 35% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 15 CLS years (3,723 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS MOT?
Most often suspension ball joint excessively worn (4.19% of tests), engine warning light inoperative or lit (2.87% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.34% of tests).
How many miles should a 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS have done?
At its MOT aged about 18, a typical 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS shows 104,649 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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