2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS 3.0L Diesel · BU56 AOL
2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS (3.0L, diesel). First registered 22 Sept 2006. Recorded mileage 177,672 miles. MOT expired on 28 Aug 2024.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ CLS
- Year / Origin
- 2006 · Birmingham
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 28 Aug 2024
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (27 Aug 2023)
- Recorded Mileage
- 177,672 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 3.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
BU56 AOL Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 30/08/2023
- 177,672 miles recorded at latest MOT
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
BU56 AOL Mileage History
- 17/09/2021150,526 mi
- 04/10/2022170,670 mi+20,144 mi
- 30/08/2023177,672 mi+7,002 mi
Average of roughly 13,924 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
BU56 AOL MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
3 MOT tests are recorded for this 2006 Mercedes-Benz Cls (BU56 AOL) between September 2021 and August 2023.
The record contains 3 passes and 0 failures.
No failures or advisories appear anywhere in the recorded tests, so the documented MOT record is relatively clean.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution. While this silver CLS has a remarkably consistent MOT pass rate, the high mileage and a history of suspension and emissions issues require careful verification.
Prioritise a full service history check, specifically looking for evidence of timing chain or turbocharger maintenance, which are critical for high-mileage diesel engines of this era. Given the 2018 failure for exhaust emissions, ask for proof that the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) or EGR system was professionally cleaned or replaced rather than just temporarily fixed for the test.
Negotiate based on the current mileage, which is now approaching 180,000 miles. Check if the suspension arm ball joints mentioned in the 2018 failure and the 2020 advisory (offside front) have been replaced, as these are recurring themes in this vehicle's history.
Owning a 3.0L diesel CLS involves significant overheads. While the engine offers decent motorway economy, the vehicle will fall into a higher tax bracket and insurance group due to its size and engine capacity. Maintenance costs for Mercedes-Benz luxury models are typically higher than average, particularly for braking systems and suspension components.
Expect higher-than-average costs for tyres and brake discs, as evidenced by the MOT advisories from 2011 and 2013. The estimated annual running cost includes fuel for a large diesel engine and the inevitable upkeep of a 20-year-old luxury chassis.
Focus your inspection on the front suspension. The MOT history shows a 'Major' failure for the nearside front ball joint in 2018 and a subsequent advisory for the offside front in 2020; ensure both sides are now tight and noise-free during a test drive.
Check the exhaust system and perform a cold start to listen for any irregularities. The 2018 'Major' failure for emissions exceeding limits is a red flag for diesel health. Additionally, inspect the brake discs and pads, as the vehicle has a recurring history of wear in these areas, specifically noted in 2013 and 2017.
This 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS diesel has covered 177,672 miles, showing a steady increase in usage over the last decade. The MOT history is generally positive, though it reveals a significant failure in 2018 involving both suspension ball joints and exhaust emissions. It represents a high-mileage luxury cruiser that has been maintained well enough to pass most tests, but is now entering a phase where wear-and-tear costs will likely increase.
The CLS is generally regarded as a robust luxury tourer, though high-mileage diesel variants often face issues with emissions systems and suspension bushings.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
Similar Vehicles
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (BU56 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as BU56AOL.
VOLKSWAGEN
TRANSPORTER
MAN
TGL 7.150
AUDI
TT
SMART
ROADSTER 80 AUTO(RHD)
SMART
ROADSTER 80 AUTO(RHD)
MERCEDES-BENZ
A-CLASS
MCC
SMART ROADSTER 80BHP AUTO
SMART
FORTWO PULSE 61 AUTO
SMART
FORFOUR BRABUS
MERCEDES-BENZ
E
SMART
ROADSTER 80 AUTO(RHD)
SMART (MCC)
FORFOUR
MERCEDES-BENZ CLS Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2006 model year cars.
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.