2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 3.0L Diesel · JS09 JEF

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history indicates a worsening trend regarding suspension and electrical systems. While it passed its most recent test in April 2026 at 170,312 miles, this followed a failure just two weeks prior. The presence of an ABS fault lamp in the failed test suggests a significant electronic braking issue that required immediate attention, while the recurring minor oil leak noted across the last three years indicates a persistent mechanical weep that the owner has chosen not to rectify. At 170,312 miles, this 14-year-old Mercedes has covered an average of over 12,000 miles per year. The data shows consistent and heavy usage, with 22,600 miles clocked between April 2024 and April 2025, and another 2,500 miles in the final month since. This high annual mileage places significant stress on the drivetrain and suspension components, which is reflected in the frequent failures of coil springs and anti-roll bar ball joints. A prospective buyer must focus specifically on the rear suspension assembly, as the tester flagged heavy corrosion on both rear coil springs in April 2026 following a fractured nearside spring the previous year. The recurring nature of these faults suggests the components are reaching the end of their life. Furthermore, the ABS system requires a verified check to ensure the recent fix was a simple sensor failure rather than a deeper hydraulic pump issue. Given the high mileage, a thorough inspection of the engine seals for the documented oil leak is essential to determine if the leak is escalating into a costly failure.