2009 Mercedes CL 500 5.5L Petrol · CL55 CJR

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a trend of reactive repairs rather than proactive upkeep. While it passed its most recent test in October 2025 at 120,826 miles, the record shows new mechanical issues emerging that were not present in the previous year. The deterioration of the nearside rear outer CV boot and oil misting on both rear shock absorbers indicates that components are now reaching the end of their functional life, requiring attention to prevent secondary failures. At 120,826 miles, the CL 500 has averaged approximately 7,100 miles per year, which is consistent with typical annual usage for a luxury coupe of this age. The data shows a consistent usage pattern, with roughly 5,000 miles covered between the 2023 and 2024 tests, and nearly 12,000 miles between August 2024 and October 2025. This steady mileage suggests the car is used regularly, though the low annual mileage has not shielded the vehicle from age-related degradation of rubber components and corrosion of metal lines. A buyer must scrutinise the front suspension and braking system, as these areas show recurring faults. The tester flagged worn front suspension arm ball joints in 2022 and 2023, which led to a failure in August 2023 before being rectified. Furthermore, the front brake pipes have been noted as corroded and masked with grease since 2022, a practice often used to hide surface rust from the inspector. The 2023 parking brake failure also suggests that the mechanism or rear cylinders may be seizing, necessitating a thorough test to ensure the braking system is not nearing another point of failure. Tyre management appears to be a weakness in the previous ownership. In three consecutive years (2022, 2023, and 2025), tyres were flagged for being worn to the legal limit or uneven on the edges, which frequently points to poor alignment or worn suspension bushes. Given the recent discovery of leaking rear shock absorbers and a deteriorating CV boot, a physical inspection is required to check for further fluid leaks and to ensure the structural integrity of the sills remains sound, despite the previous advice to fit protective covers.