2002 Mercedes CL 5.4L Petrol · EU02 AFE

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a trend of persistent mechanical wear and ongoing corrosion. While the most recent test in April 2026 at 182,505 miles passed, it carried advisories for worn front shock absorber bushes and oil misting on the offside front unit. The failure in April 2024 due to excessively worn bushes and tyre-related issues was subsequently addressed, suggesting that the owner responds to faults once they fail inspection rather than performing proactive preventative maintenance. At 24 years old, the recorded mileage of 182,505 miles represents a consistent usage pattern of approximately 7,600 miles per year. The data shows steady accumulation of mileage, with roughly 5,000 miles covered between each annual test from 2023 to 2026. This regularity suggests the vehicle has not been left sitting for long periods, which is generally beneficial for seals and mechanical components, though the high mileage places significant demand on the aged rubber components and structural integrity of the Mercedes-Benz chassis. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the underbody and suspension mounting points. The record consistently flags corrosion on the rear suspension mounting areas and the rear inner sill panel since 2023. While the tester noted this as not excessive, the presence of rust in structural areas requires close monitoring to ensure it does not progress toward perforation. The front oil leak noted in the 2026 test indicates a developing seal that requires monitoring for fluid loss to prevent a more significant failure. Attention should also be paid to the front suspension geometry and wheel bearings. The 2023 test identified play in the front wheel bearings, and the recurring issues with shock absorber bushes indicate the suspension system is reaching its service limit. Given the history of worn bushes and misting absorbers, a prospective buyer should verify if the front shocks have actually been replaced or if they are merely being monitored. The repeated advisories for tyre wear in 2024 and 2025 suggest that tyre replacement is only handled when they reach the legal limit.