Mercedes Benz Cl 500 (2005)
2005 Mercedes Benz Cl 500
CarHunch analysed 275 real MOT records for the 2005 Mercedes Benz Cl 500. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL 500 barely clears the UK average at 80.9% first-time pass rate, but the real concern here is that 43.3% of these cars have recorded a dangerous defect at some point — nearly double the typical rate — suggesting systemic issues with critical safety components. This is a serious red flag for any prospective buyer, regardless of the headline pass rate.
At 70,000 miles median, these cars have covered typical mileage for their age, but owners are dealing with an average of 3.4 failures and 20 advisories per test, indicating persistent mechanical wear across multiple systems. Before committing to purchase, insist on a full specialist inspection covering the suspension, braking, and electrical systems that commonly plague this generation of CL, and budget generously for ongoing maintenance.
What to check before buying a 2005 Mercedes Benz Cl 500
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- ⚠️ 43.3% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Mercedes Benz Cl 500
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (99%) | 273 | 80.8% | 3.41 |
| Diesel (1%) | 2 | 97.2% | 0.5 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2005 Mercedes Benz Cl 500 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2005 Mercedes Benz Cl 500 vehicles fall between 52,016 and 87,444 miles.
2005 Mercedes Benz Cl 500 — Still on the Road
128 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 56% of the peak remain.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Mercedes Benz Cl 500?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.