2009 Mercedes CLK 1.8L Petrol · FN09 FDY

The 2009 Mercedes CLK presents a stable and improving maintenance trend, culminating in a clean pass on 15 July 2025 at 88,723 miles with zero defects recorded. That result is significant. It follows a pattern of intermittent minor advisories that appear to have been addressed promptly rather than left to deteriorate. The vehicle has not failed an MOT within the provided record, and the most recent test confirms all major safety systems were compliant at the time of inspection. The mileage profile tells a clear story of light, consistent use. Between the April 2022 test at 72,615 miles and the May 2024 test at 83,700 miles, the car covered roughly 11,000 miles in just over two years. That then plateaued sharply, with the needle barely moving between May 2024 and July 2025, both readings sitting at 88,723 miles. This suggests the vehicle has been largely stationary for the past twelve months or more. Extended sitting carries its own risks, including flat-spotted tyres, brake surface corrosion, moisture ingress in the exhaust, and dried-out rubber seals, none of which the MOT necessarily flags but which a buyer should verify in person. The 2022 test at 72,615 miles is the most mechanically revealing entry. The tester flagged slight play in the offside front suspension arm ball joint rear arm, low rear brake pads, and a damaged nearside front tyre sidewall. These are not trivial items. Ball joint play points to wear in the front-end linkage that, if ignored, can progress to unpredictable steering behaviour. Low rear pads at that mileage on a car of this weight and power is expected consumable wear, but the fact it was noted rather than failed suggests replacement was overdue. The sidewall damage on the nearside front tyre is more concerning, as it indicates a defect that could lead to a sudden deflation regardless of tread depth. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension and steering components, particularly the ball joints and track rod ends, checking for any play that may have returned since the clean 2025 result. The rear brake system deserves close scrutiny too, including caliper slide pins and disc condition, given the earlier advisory on pad wear. With the car having sat idle for over a year, tyre condition across all four corners, including sidewalls and date codes, should be examined carefully. The exhaust system and underbody should be checked for surface corrosion that can accelerate during prolonged standing. The MOT record is encouraging, but the gap between the last two tests means a fresh inspection is essential before purchase.