2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS 3.0L Diesel · LO09 XPW

This Mercedes-Benz CLS presents a mixed mechanical picture defined largely by chronic corrosion and wear on the brake system, supplemented by a fractured front coil spring in 2023. Across the recorded test history there have been two outright failures: in August 2023 for an excessively corroded offside front brake pipe and a fractured offside rear coil spring, and in August 2024 for excessive play in the nearside front track rod end ball joint. The most recent test on 20 August 2026 recorded a pass, but the advisory entries carry forward several years of unresolved brake concerns, specifically repeated corrosion on the nearside front brake pipe and persistent pitting or scoring on the rear brake discs. An exhaust leak has also been flagged at two consecutive tests, having migrated from the rear section in 2025 to the offside rear in 2026. The overall trend is not one of worsening deterioration, but neither is it a clean record, as the same advisories continue to be noted at successive tests rather than being addressed and removed. The recorded mileage of 97,626 miles across approximately seventeen years equates to an annual accumulation of around 5,740 miles, which is low for a vehicle of this age. There are no extended gaps in the annual testing record beyond the routine annual intervals, indicating the car has not been laid up off-road for multiple consecutive years, although the modest annual mileage suggests periods of light use interspersed with more typical driving. Lower mileage of this nature can mask component degradation from infrequent operation, particularly corrosion on ferrous brake and underbody components, which is consistent with the repeated brake pipe advisories seen throughout the history. Suspension components and bushes also tend to stiffen and deteriorate when not exercised regularly, which may explain the deterioration of the lower arm ball joint dust cover noted in 2021 and the eventual track rod end failure in 2024. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the brake system during any inspection, as this is the most consistently flagged area. The nearside front brake pipe has been noted as corroded and covered in grease or other material at three of the last four tests, a classic indication that a corroded pipe has been temporarily dressed with a protective coating rather than replaced. A thorough underbody inspection is warranted to check all brake pipes, particularly along their full length where they run along the chassis and subframe, as well as the brake hoses for any perishing or swelling under pressure. The rear brake discs have been recorded as pitted or scored at three consecutive tests, so the discs and pads should be physically examined for wear ridge on the disc edge, and the car should be test-driven to feel for any pedal judder or vibration under braking. The suspension and steering defects also warrant close attention on a test drive. With a fractured rear coil spring recorded in 2023 and a worn track rod end in 2024, listen for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly over speed bumps and potholes, and feel for any vagueness or looseness in the steering. Inspect the condition of the coil springs visually for any signs of corrosion cracking, and check that the vehicle sits level at the rear. The exhaust leak advisories from both 2025 and 2026 suggest a developing issue, so the system should be inspected with the engine running for any audible ticking or hissing from the rear section, and the mounting rubbers checked for integrity. Finally, the 2025 minor defect for an inoperative registration plate lamp on the offside side should prompt a simple check that all exterior bulbs and lighting function correctly, and a general inspection of all suspension ball joint dust covers is advisable given the deterioration recorded on the front lower arm in 2021.