2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS350 CDI AMG Blueeffi-Y SP A 3.0L Diesel · LLZ 400

With no advisories recorded on its three most recent MOT passes and only a brief pair of unrecorded-defect failures in early 2023 followed immediately by a pass just seven days later, this CLS350 presents a roadworthiness profile consistent with a vehicle that has been kept in sound mechanical order. The most recent test on 11 June 2025 returned a clean pass, and the prior two examinations in 2024 and 2023 were similarly defect-free, indicating that whatever issue caused the early-2023 retests was remedied without producing any advisory-worthy deterioration at subsequent visits. The absence of recurring component flags across a three-year testing window is a positive indicator for a chassis of this age, particularly given the known susceptibility of the CLS platform to suspension bush wear, air spring degradation and underbody corrosion. No structural or corrosion advisories appear in the record, which is a notable reassurance for a Mercedes of this vintage. At 125,585 miles over approximately 13 years, the vehicle has averaged around 9,660 miles annually, a rate broadly typical for a premium executive saloon of its age. There is no evidence in the MOT history of extended periods off the road, as tests have been conducted at broadly annual intervals throughout the recorded period, suggesting the car has remained in regular use rather than suffering a multi-year lay-up that would raise concerns about seized brakes, deteriorated rubber components, or fuel system issues. The gap between the early-2023 failures and the subsequent pass suggests the vehicle was actively maintained rather than stored, and the consistent year-on-year testing indicates a usage pattern consistent with daily or regular long-distance driving. Mechanically this level of use on a diesel CLS means the engine and automatic gearbox will have been worked sufficiently to keep internal components lubricated and free of the condensation issues that plague low-mileage examples, though consumables such as suspension bushes, engine mounts and turbocharger components will inevitably be nearer the end of their service life than those on a lower-mileage car. For a prospective buyer, the absence of recorded advisories means there is no specific flagged component to focus on, but the high mileage and the platform itself warrant close attention to areas commonly affected on this generation of CLS. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn lower control arm bushes or thrust arm bushes, and pay particular attention to the self-levelling air suspension if fitted, as sagging at the rear over a period of rest would suggest perished air springs or a failing compressor. Under braking, check for any pulling to one side or vibration through the pedal, as the high annual mileage increases the likelihood of binding calipers or worn brake discs requiring replacement. On start-up from cold, listen for any excessive diesel rattle or timing chain chatter from the OM642 V6 engine, and inspect the engine bay and underside for any signs of oil leakage from the rear crankshaft seal, injector return pipes, or oil filter housing, all of which are common failure points on this unit at this mileage. Given the clean MOT record and the absence of structural advisories, the vehicle presents a reasonably reassuring roadworthiness picture, but a pre-purchase inspection by a Mercedes specialist remains strongly advisable given the complexity and cost of repairs on this platform. Particular attention should be paid to the condition of the injectors and turbocharger, the seven-speed automatic transmission for any harsh shifting or hesitation, and the multi-link rear suspension for any knocking indicative of worn trailing arm bushes. A thorough scan for any stored fault codes using a Mercedes-compatible diagnostic tool is also recommended, as the MOT test does not cover electronic system integrity. With the recorded mileage and clean test history, this CLS350 appears to have been conscientiously maintained, though buyers should budget for the typical wear items expected on a high-mileage diesel executive car approaching fourteen years of age.