2005 Mercedes-Benz CL 500 5.0L Petrol · 3 NCP

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a worsening trend regarding the braking system's hardware. In the most recent test in May 2026 at 72,082 miles, the tester flagged all four brake pipes as corroded and covered in grease. This represents a progression from the September 2023 test, where only the rear pipes were noted. While the recurring pitting and scoring on the discs passed, the spreading corrosion across the entire system suggests a lack of preventative treatment for the hydraulic lines components. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 21-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 3,400 miles per year. However, there is a significant gap in usage between October 2020 and September 2021, where the car covered only 3,332 miles in nearly a year. This pattern suggests long periods of standing, which explains the observed surface corrosion on brake discs and pipes. Low-mileage vehicles often suffer from accelerated degradation of rubber components and surface rust on metal surfaces because they are not driven frequently enough to keep the mechanisms clean. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the braking system to determine the extent of the pipe corrosion. The presence of grease on the pipes often indicates an attempt to mask rust, so a close check of the structural integrity of the lines is essential. The transmission oil leak noted in 2022 should also be re-examined to ensure it has not worsened or become active. Given the low mileage, the buyer should also check for perished suspension bushes and aged tyres, as these components fail due to age rather than wear.