2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK 320 3.2L Petrol · BA03 WXH

Corrosion of the braking system and recurring oil leaks represent the primary mechanical concerns for this vehicle, despite a clean result in its most recent test on 29 November 2025. The history shows a period of instability in late 2024 when the car failed due to excessive corrosion on both the nearside and offside rear brake pipes, alongside issues with windscreen washer jet alignment. While the most recent inspection recorded no defects, the previous years show a pattern of advisories involving oil leaks and suspension component wear, suggesting that while immediate failures have been addressed, certain underlying mechanical trends have persisted over the last several testing cycles. The recorded mileage of 64,629 miles over a 23-year period indicates an exceptionally low usage pattern, averaging approximately 2,810 miles per year. Such low annual accumulation often implies the vehicle has spent significant periods stationary, which can correlate with the specific issues noted in the MOT history, such as the degradation of rubber components and the development of corrosion on metal brake lines. While lower mileage generally suggests less wear on the drivetrain and engine internals, it necessitates a closer inspection of seals and fluid systems that may have been affected by infrequent operation. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the braking system and the underside of the engine bay. Given the 2024 failure regarding excessively corroded rear brake pipes, a physical inspection of the entire brake line length is essential to ensure no further degradation is present. During a test drive, the braking pedal should feel firm and consistent; any sponginess or a change in pedal feel could indicate further issues with the hydraulic lines or connections. Furthermore, since oil leaks have been flagged as a recurring advisory since at least 2021, look for signs of fresh weeping around the engine sump, valve covers, or oil filter housing, and listen for any rhythmic tapping or unusual engine noise that might suggest a leak is affecting component performance. The suspension and tyre wear history also warrants specific attention during an evaluation. Previous advisories noted play in the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint and uneven tyre wear on the edges of the nearside and offside front tyres. This pattern can be indicative of worn suspension bushes or misaligned geometry. On the road, check for any knocking or clunking sounds when driving over uneven surfaces or speed bumps, and monitor the steering for any pulling to one side or instability at cruising speeds. Ensuring that the recent absence of tyre-related advisories reflects actual component health rather than just a recent replacement is a critical step in the inspection.