2009 Mercedes CLK220 CDI Sport Auto 2.1L Diesel · LS09 FXM

The most recent MOT test on 2026-03-04, just four months ago at 134,068 miles, resulted in a failure—though notably, no specific defects were recorded. This pattern of consecutive failures without defects is unusual and suggests either an administrative error in the test process or a vehicle that consistently meets the minimum MOT standards despite likely accumulated wear. The lack of advisories or fail items over three tests implies no recurring mechanical issues were formally identified, but this does not preclude hidden concerns. The trend is stable in the sense that the vehicle has not been flagged for serious fail conditions, yet the repeated failures without explanation warrant scrutiny of the underlying maintenance history. The mileage progression shows a steady accumulation of approximately 9,500 miles annually since the last passing test in February 2024, averaging around 7,800 miles per year over the vehicle’s lifespan. There is a notable 7,900-mile gap between the 2024 pass and the 2025 failure, followed by another 9,563 miles before the latest test. While this usage rate is typical for its age, the irregular intervals between tests—particularly the two consecutive failures without defects—raise questions about whether the vehicle was driven to the test station in a minimal condition or if critical components were overlooked. The absence of advisories in any test further suggests that any necessary repairs may have been deferred or performed privately without formal documentation. Given the lack of fail items in the MOT history, the primary focus for an in-person inspection should centre on high-wear components that are not routinely tested under MOT regulations. The suspension system—particularly the rear coil springs, bushes, and dampers—should be examined for uneven wear or binding, as these are common points of failure in this model at this mileage. Brake calipers and discs, especially the rear, should be checked for uneven wear or binding, as the MOT tester did not flag any brake-related issues despite the vehicle’s age. Structural integrity is another critical area; inspect the chassis rails, subframe, and wheel arches for corrosion or cracks, as these are often not visible from routine MOT checks. Additionally, the exhaust system should be scrutinised for leaks or excessive rust, as emissions-related failures are not always captured in the MOT record. The lack of advisories in prior tests suggests these areas may have been neglected, so thorough visual and functional checks are essential.