2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 3.0L Diesel · CK12 BKF

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is currently roadworthy per its 20 January 2026 MOT pass at 80,542 miles, but this follows a failed test just five days earlier on 15 January 2026 at 80,540 miles that flagged five serious defects, indicating a clear worsening maintenance trend in the lead-up to testing, with all noted faults rectified between the two tests to secure the pass. The recorded mileage of 80,542 miles equates to an average of roughly 5,750 miles per year over the vehicle’s 14-year lifespan, which is low for its age and suggests either light regular use or periods of standing, meaning wear on mechanical components is more likely driven by age than high annual mileage. Mileage accumulation rose slightly in recent years, with 7,014 miles added between the January 2024 test at 68,488 miles and January 2025 test at 73,502 miles, and 7,040 miles added between the January 2025 and January 2026 tests, a modest uptick from the long-term average that does not point to excessive wear from high annual use. The identical mileage recorded for the January 2024 failed and passed tests, just three days apart, confirms minor defects were addressed quickly that year, unlike the 2026 gap where serious faults went unaddressed until five days before the pass was issued. A buyer should prioritise in-person inspection of the front suspension and wheel bearing assemblies, as nearside front wheel bearing play was flagged in both 2024 and 2026, with the 2026 test noting excessive play, and the offside front lower suspension arm bush was marked as excessively worn in the most recent failed test. The front brake hydraulic lines have been flagged for corrosion in three consecutive tests, with both front pipes marked as corroded in 2025 and excessively corroded to the rear brakes in 2026, so these must be checked for hidden rust or weak spots, alongside the rear brake pads which were recorded as below the legal minimum thickness in January 2026. The supplementary restraint system warning lamp fault noted in the 2026 failed test must be verified as fully resolved, and the front tyres should be checked for uneven edge wear that has been a recurring issue since 2024, along with the offside front anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover that was severely deteriorated in 2025.