2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 D AMG Line Prem + 4M A 2.9L Diesel · J88 JBR

This Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 d AMG Line Premium + 4M has demonstrated a stable roadworthiness trend over the past two years, with the most recent MOT test on 19 May 2025 at 11,671 miles passing without any defects. The absence of advisories or failures in the latest three tests—despite a brief failed test on 15 April 2024 at just 9,389 miles—suggests the vehicle has been well maintained in critical areas, particularly brakes, suspension, and emissions. The 2024 failure, however, was unexplained in the record, which is unusual; typically, even a minor advisory would be noted. This anomaly raises a minor red flag, though the subsequent clean tests indicate any issue was resolved promptly. The vehicle’s mileage of 11,671 miles over eight years—averaging around 1,459 miles annually—is exceptionally low for its age, suggesting either very light use or prolonged periods of inactivity. The gap between the 2023 test (9 January, mileage unknown) and the 2024 failure (15 April, 9,389 miles) implies the car may have sat unused for several months before being driven modestly. The rapid accumulation of just 216 miles between the failed and passed 2024 tests (9,389 to 9,605 miles) further supports this pattern. Such low mileage reduces wear on consumables like tyres and brakes, but it also means components such as suspension bushes, coil springs, and binding calipers may not have been stressed enough to reveal latent issues. Given the clean MOT history, a buyer should still prioritise a thorough inspection of the rear brakes, as the unexplained 2024 failure could hint at a transient issue—possibly binding calipers or uneven pad wear. The suspension, particularly the rear coil springs and bushes, should be checked for stiffness or degradation, as low-mileage vehicles can still develop stiffness from age. Structural integrity, especially around wheel arches and underseal, is critical; corrosion in these areas is common on premium vehicles with light usage. Finally, while the emissions system passed without comment, a pre-purchase diagnostic scan for pending fault codes would be prudent, given the unexplained failure. The vehicle’s maintenance record suggests previous owners were diligent about MOT compliance, but the lack of advisories or mileage details beyond the last test leaves some uncertainty. A buyer should verify service records for the drivetrain, as diesel engines in this model are prone to turbocharger and DPF issues if not regularly exercised. Overall, the car appears mechanically sound, but the unexplained failure and low mileage warrant closer scrutiny of components that may not have been regularly stressed.