2002 Mercedes CL 500 5.0L Petrol · LF02 XAX
2002 Mercedes CL 500 (5.0L, petrol). First registered 01 May 2002. Recorded mileage 137,650 miles. MOT valid until 04 Dec 2026. Taxed until 01 Nov 2026.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES CL 500
- Year / Origin
- 2002 · Stanmore (North London)
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 04 Dec 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Nov 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 137,650 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 5.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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.
LF02 XAX Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 03/12/2025
- 137,650 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (6 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
LF02 XAX MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2002 Mercedes Cl 500 (LF02 XAX) between November 2023 and December 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 03 December 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (6 issues), Suspension (6 issues), Tyres (4 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (4 issues), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 19 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 Rear Inner Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (”; “Windscreen washer jets misaligned and not providing sufficient fluid to the windscreen (3.5 (a))”; “Nearside Rear Suspension component leaking (5.3.5 (c))”.
LF02 XAX Mileage History
- 28/11/2023133,518 mi
- 26/11/2024135,490 mi+1,972 mi
- 05/12/2024135,665 mi+175 mi
- 03/12/2025137,650 mi+1,985 mi
Average of roughly 2,051 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Average
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.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with significant caution. While
The primary priority is the MIL lamp mentioned in the November 2025 MOT failure; you must ensure this has been diagnosed and resolved, as engine management issues on a 5.0L V8 can be costly. Carefully review the service history for evidence of suspension overhauls, as upper suspension arm wear has been flagged in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Given the age and specification of this CL 500, ensure there is a clear record of oil changes and transmission fluid services. Negotiate the price based on the immediate need for suspension and exhaust work, as the December 2025 pass still carried advisories for a leaking exhaust and worn suspension bushings.
Running costs for this vehicle will be substantial. The 4966cc petrol engine is designed for performance rather than efficiency, leading to high fuel consumption and high annual road tax. Insurance groups for a luxury V8 grand tourer of this era are typically high.
Maintenance costs are expected to be above average. The MOT history shows a trend of wearing components—specifically brakes and suspension—which are expensive to replace on this chassis. Anticipate a high annual budget to keep the vehicle in a roadworthy state.
Focus your inspection on the suspension and drivetrain. The MOT history shows a split nearside rear inner drive shaft CV boot in 2025 and recurring wear on both nearside and offside rear upper suspension arms. Check for any current leaks from the rear suspension components, which were flagged in November 2025.
Inspect the braking system thoroughly; front brake pads were noted as thin or below 1.5mm in 2023, 2024, and 2025, suggesting a cycle of wear that requires monitoring. Finally, check the rear exhaust for the broken hanger and minor leak identified in the December 2025 test.
This silver 2002 Mercedes CL 500 has recorded 137,650 miles. The MOT history reveals a pattern of failures in both 2024 and 2025, with repeated issues concerning brake wear, suspension bushings, and CV boots. Most notably, the November 2025 failure recorded a MIL (Management Indicator Lamp) on the dashboard, which is a critical point for investigation.
No aggregate data is available for the CL 500, but this specific vehicle's history shows a susceptibility to suspension and braking component wear.
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
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