IsItAGoodCar
Official DVLA Record
Outstanding Recall

2005 Mercedes CLS 3.5L Petrol · EY55 MGV

EY55 MGV

2005 Mercedes CLS (3.5L, petrol). First registered 01 Sept 2005. Recorded mileage 126,115 miles. MOT expired on 20 Dec 2025. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.

Make & Model
MERCEDES CLS
Year / Origin
2005 · Chelmsford
Safety Recall
Recall Notice
MOT Status
Expired on 20 Dec 2025
Road Tax
Untaxed (12 Aug 2025)
Recorded Mileage
126,115 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
Fuel & Engine
PETROL · 3.5L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults

Outstanding Safety Recall Notice

Action Required

Official DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.

MOT Status
Expired
Expired on 20 Dec 2025
Tax Status
Untaxed
Tax due 12 Aug 2025
Fuel Type
PETROL
Year
2005
Engine
3498cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but exhibits recurring suspension component wear, with no significant structural or braking system failures in the most recent test. The 2024-12-21 MOT confirmed passing status despite noted issues: front suspension arm pin/bush wear, corroded anti-roll bar, and deteriorated ball joint dust covers. These align with prior records from 2023 and 2021, indicating a stable but ongoing trend of gradual suspension degradation. No critical failures or emissions issues were recorded, suggesting the vehicle has been maintained to basic standards, though repeated suspension component faults imply potential future repair costs. Mileage progression shows consistent usage, with 126,115 miles recorded over 21 years (approximately 6,000 miles annually). The MOT history reveals a two-year gap between the 2020-10-14 test (104,820 miles) and 2021-11-01 test (116,105 miles), during which 11,285 miles were added. Subsequent tests in 2021, 2023, and 2024 show incremental mileage increases, with no major anomalies. The 2023-11-13 failure related to tyre tread depth suggests possible neglect in routine checks, though subsequent tests addressed this. The vehicle’s usage pattern appears steady, with no evidence of sudden mileage spikes or prolonged inactivity. Key areas requiring in-person inspection include front suspension components, particularly ball joints and bushings, which have shown repeated wear since 2021. The corroded anti-roll bar and deteriorated dust covers indicate exposure to environmental factors, warranting closer examination for structural integrity. Brake system functionality should also be verified, as minor wear on the brake pedal was noted in 2021. Tyre condition remains critical, given past tread depth failures, and buyers should confirm current tyre health and alignment. No major corrosion or drivetrain issues were recorded, but the vehicle’s age and mileage necessitate thorough mechanical scrutiny before purchase.
Used Car Buyer Alert1 in 3 UK cars has hidden active finance or write-off history

Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.

£20,000 Experian Guarantee· 80+ check points · Instant results

EY55 MGV Key Findings

  • 4 MOT tests recorded
  • Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
  • Latest MOT passed on 21/12/2024
  • 126,115 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 1 historical MOT failure
  • 4 defects noted at the latest MOT

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

EY55 MGV MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 16 Jul 2026, 08:51
MOT Analysis

Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

4 MOT tests are recorded for this 2005 Mercedes Cls (EY55 MGV) between November 2021 and December 2024.

The record contains 3 passes and 1 failure.

The most recent test on 21 December 2024 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (8 issues), Tyres (4 issues), Lighting (3 issues), Brakes (1 issue), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 11 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.

Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e))”; “Nearside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e))”.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

EY55 MGV Mileage History

  1. 01/11/2021116,105 mi
  2. 13/11/2023126,075 mi+9,970 mi
  3. 14/11/2023126,075 mi
  4. 21/12/2024126,115 mi+40 mi

Average of roughly 3,191 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.

Technical Specifications

May be subject to ULEZ charges
Recall Notice Outstanding

Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence

Estimate current market value

Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.

MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
30
/ 100 · Poor
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Poor

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.

MOT Expired or Failed
Taxed
Good MOT pass rate (75%)
2 dangerous defects found recently
Older vehicle
Outstanding recall notice
Experian Provenance Check

Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.

Experian Provenance Data

Vehicle Provenance Investigation

9 Key Registers

Comprehensive register checks across Experian, MIAFTR, Police National Computer, and DVLA records.

CHECK REQUIRED

OUTSTANDING FINANCE

Experian Register

Checks Experian asset registers to identify any active PCP, HP, or loan agreements.

Experian Asset Register: [Query Required]
Agreements & Lender Search: [Check to Reveal]
Experian Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

MIAFTR Register

Checks the UK insurance total loss register for Category A, B, S, or N write-offs.

MIAFTR Insurance Database: [Query Required]
Write-Off Category & Date: [Check to Reveal]
MIAFTR Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

POLICE STOLEN (PNC)

Police PNC

Searches the UK Police National Computer (PNC) for active stolen vehicle reports.

Police National Computer: [Query Required]
Active Stolen Marker Search: [Check to Reveal]
Police Computer:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

SALVAGE & AUCTION

Salvage Registers

Cross-checks major UK salvage databases to identify if this vehicle has ever been listed in a salvage auction.

Salvage Auction Registries: [Query Required]
Trade Auction Disposal Lots: [Check to Reveal]
Salvage Registries:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

IMPORTED RECORD

Import Register

Checks vehicle registration records to verify if this vehicle was imported from abroad.

Import & Prior VRM Register: [Query Required]
Country of Origin Audit: [Check to Reveal]
Import Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

EXPORTED MARKER

Export Register

Checks whether the vehicle has been marked for permanent or temporary export from the UK.

Customs & Export Register: [Query Required]
UK Road Eligibility Marker: [Check to Reveal]
Export Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

SCRAPPED RECORD

Scrappage Register

Validates whether the car has been surrendered or notified as scrapped to an Authorized Treatment Facility.

Scrappage & ATF Register: [Query Required]
Disposal Notification Check: [Check to Reveal]
Scrappage Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

Statutory CoD

Confirms whether a statutory Certificate of Destruction has been issued against this chassis.

Certificate of Destruction Register: [Query Required]
Statutory Scrapping Decrees: [Check to Reveal]
Destruction Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

DVLA Master

Audits number of registered keepers and latest V5C logbook issue date.

DVLA Logbook Issue Date: [Query Required]
Previous Keepers Count: [Check to Reveal]
DVLA Keeper Master:QUERY REQUIRED
£20,000 Experian Data Guarantee Included

Avoid an Average £4,200 Loss on Undisclosed Vehicle Risks

Free DVLA records only confirm basic tax and MOT roadworthiness. 1 in 3 UK cars has hidden PCP/HP finance, insurance write-off categories, or unrecorded salvage history. Run the full check across all 9 registers with £20,000 Experian data guarantee protection.

HPI Check
£19.99
Single vehicle check
carVertical
£37.99
Single report
RAC Check
£14.99
Standard history
BEST VALUE
IsItAGoodCar
£8.99
Save over 55%
Instant on-screen report Official PDF emailed £20k Experian guarantee One-off, no subscription Apple Pay / Google Pay / cards

Data provided by Experian

Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
55/100
Risk Level
Medium
Medium
Est. Annual Cost
£1,200-£1,500
Mileage
The recorded mileage of 126,115 miles is...

Our Verdict

This 2005 Mercedes CLS presents significant mechanical risks despite its age and heritage. While the vehicle has a relatively clean MOT history, recurring suspension component wear and a recent tyre tread failure indicate potential hidden costs. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential.

Prioritise a full suspension system inspection, focusing on worn bushes, ball joints, and anti-roll bar corrosion. Check for consistent service records to verify maintenance history. Negotiate based on the 2023 MOT failure and recurring suspension issues. Be wary of potential hidden costs from aged components. Consider a pre-purchase survey to assess bodywork and electrical systems common to 2005 models.

The 3.5L petrol engine will incur higher fuel costs compared to smaller engines, with estimated combined consumption of 20-25 mpg. Road tax in 2026 would be £140 annually for CO2 emissions above 255g/km. Insurance groups for luxury vehicles like the CLS typically fall into high brackets (likely Group 50+). Routine maintenance (e.g., suspension repairs, tyre replacements) could cost £500-£1,000 annually, pushing total running costs to £1,200-£1,500 yearly.

Focus on front suspension components: check for worn bushes (5.3.4 (a) (i)) and deteriorated ball joint dust covers (5.3.4 (b) (i)), which were repeatedly flagged. Inspect tyres for uneven wear patterns and verify current tread depths. Examine the front anti-roll bar for corrosion (5.3.3 (b) (i)) and assess the windscreen damage (3.2 (a) (i)). Check for electrical system faults common in 2005 models, including ECU issues.

A 2005 Mercedes CLS with 126,115 miles shows mixed reliability. While most MOTs passed, repeated suspension arm bush and ball joint issues (noted in 2021-2024) suggest progressive wear. The 2023 MOT failure related to tyre tread highlights maintenance neglect. Its 3.5L petrol engine offers performance but may contribute to higher running costs.

No aggregate data available for the 2005 Mercedes CLS, but common issues for this era include suspension wear and corrosion in UK conditions.

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