2009 Mercedes CL 500 5.5L Petrol · 12 RCM

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a pattern of reactive rather than proactive regarding mechanical degradation. While the most recent test in February 2026 at 132,994 miles passed, the record shows persistent issues that have remained unresolved across multiple years. The trend is stable in terms of passing, yet recurring faults such as oil leaks and steering component wear appear consistently annually, suggesting that components are only addressed when they approach failure thresholds rather than through preventative maintenance. At 132,994 miles, this 17-year-old Mercedes averages approximately 7,800 miles per year, which is consistent with typical low-use luxury vehicle patterns. However, the data shows a significant cluster of activity between February 2024 and January 2025, where the car covered only 777 miles yet underwent two MOT tests. This low mileage over a short period often correlates with age-related deterioration of rubber components and fluid seals, which is evident in the various perished dust covers and corroded pipes noted in the record. A buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the front suspension and braking system. The tester has repeatedly flagged worn or damaged track rod ends, ball joints, and corroded brake pipes since 2024. Specifically, the January 2025 failure revealed excessively fluctuating front brakes and severely pitted discs, indicating potential caliper binding or warped rotor issues. The buyer should also verify the integrity of the fluid suspension pipes, as corrosion was noted in March 2025 and remains a concern for this aging system. The persistent central front oil leak has been a fixture since at least 2024, and while the tester currently categorises it as not excessive, it likely indicates a leaking crank seal or front seal which is a costly repair on this V8 engine. The presence of a slightly distorted offside rear road wheel, which appeared in the last three tests, should also be checked for vibrations or uneven wear. Given the history of perished rubber and corrosion, a physical inspection of the under-carriage for structural rust is essential to ensure no hidden decay is present beyond the visible components.