2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK 1.8L Petrol · FN08 SBU

This eighteen-year-old Mercedes-Benz CLK presents a notably sparse DVSA history that warrants careful interpretation before purchase. Across the recorded tests, only four outcomes are documented over a two-year window, with alternating pass and fail results in 2024 and 2025, and a clean pass at the most recent assessment on 19 January 2026. The most unusual feature is the complete absence of advisory notes on either the failures or the passes, which means the recorded DVSA history alone does not illuminate the specific reason for the 2024 and 2025 rejections. A buyer must therefore obtain the full failure sheets from the testing garage to establish whether the defects were trivial items quickly rectified between tests, such as a bulb or a tyre, or whether they relate to more substantive mechanical concerns like brake performance, suspension integrity, or structural corrosion. The pattern of pass-fail-pass suggests that whatever issue caused the failures was addressed immediately prior to each subsequent test, which is a common sequence but one that can sometimes indicate running repairs rather than a properly resolved underlying defect. Recorded mileage stands at 138,449 miles, equating to an average of roughly 7,692 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age. However, the MOT record only spans from early 2024 onwards, leaving a substantial gap in documented mileage history for the preceding sixteen years of the car's life. There are no recorded mileage readings within the provided dataset to verify consistency of use, and a vehicle of this vintage and mileage should have a continuous MOT trail unless it was officially SORN for extended periods. Any significant standing time would raise concerns around dormant corrosion in brake and fuel lines, dried suspension bushes, and degraded rubber components, particularly relevant on a Mercedes of this era where underbody sealing can deteriorate. Conversely, sustained high mileage on a CLK, particularly the V6 and V8 variants, places considerable cumulative load on the timing chains, automatic transmission torque converters, and front suspension subframe mounts. From a buyer guidance perspective, the absence of advisories on a high-mileage Mercedes is itself a point requiring investigation rather than reassurance, as items such as front lower wishbone bushes, anti-roll bar drop links, and rear coil springs commonly deteriorate on these chassis. A careful test drive should focus on detecting clonks or creaks from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, paying particular attention to vagueness or wandering from the steering rack, which is a known wear point on the W209 CLK. Brake feel should be assessed for any pulling to one side, a soft pedal suggesting servo or hydraulic issues, or vibration under braking that could indicate warped front discs. Listen for any evidence of automatic transmission hesitation, harsh downshifts, or torque converter shudder, especially when cold. Given the failed tests in February 2024 and February 2025, it is essential to physically inspect and confirm the condition of the components most likely to have been implicated, including the operation of all exterior lighting, the condition and tread depth of all four tyres, the rear number plate lamp, and the effectiveness of the handbrake, as these are statistically common reasons for short-notice failures. Underneath the vehicle, inspect the subframe mounting points and jacking points for corrosion bubbling, as Mercedes vehicles of this generation are prone to rust developing in these areas. Examine the exhaust system along its full length for blow-by and physical deterioration, and check the suspension springs for any visible cracking or sagging. Finally, request evidence of recent major service work, particularly regarding automatic transmission fluid changes, brake fluid renewal, and any replacement of front suspension arms, as preventive maintenance on these components is critical for long-term reliability on a CLK at this mileage.