2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS 5.0L Petrol · MA05 EYU
2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS (5.0L, petrol). First registered 23 Mar 2005. Recorded mileage 253,957 km. MOT expired on 11 Feb 2025. Currently declared SORN. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ CLS
- Year / Origin
- 2005 · Manchester & Merseyside
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 11 Feb 2025
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Odometer
- 253,957 km
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 5.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Outstanding Safety Recall Notice
Action RequiredOfficial DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.
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.
MA05 EYU Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 12/02/2024
- 253,957 km recorded at latest MOT
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (3 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MA05 EYU MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
3 MOT tests are recorded for this 2005 Mercedes-Benz Cls (MA05 EYU) between March 2022 and February 2024.
The record contains 3 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 6 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (3 issues), Brakes (2 issues), Lighting (1 issue), Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 6 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.
MA05 EYU Odometer History
- 16/03/2022132,253 mi
- 09/02/2023241,921 km
- 12/02/2024253,957 km+12,036 km
Average of roughly 63,700 km per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz CLS (C219)
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below 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
Exercise significant caution before purc
Given the 5.0L engine size and the high mileage, your first priority should be verifying the service history for oil changes and cooling system maintenance. The 2024 MOT noted an oil leak; you should investigate whether this is a minor seal issue or a more significant gasket failure, as repairs on this large V8 engine can be costly.
Negotiate the price downwards to account for the immediate need for tyres and potential brake work, as the 2024 record indicates worn tyres and the 2022 record noted thin brake pads. Ensure you check the condition of all suspension components, specifically the ball joints, following the deterioration noted in the 2022 MOT history.
Running costs for this 4966cc petrol CLS will be substantial. Expect high fuel consumption consistent with a large-capacity engine, alongside a potentially high tax band and insurance group.
Maintenance costs are likely to be higher than average due to the complexity of the vehicle and the high mileage, which often leads to more frequent replacements of suspension, braking, and sealing components. An estimated annual running cost for this vehicle is significant, covering high fuel usage and the high-mileage maintenance profile.
Focus your inspection on the underbody and engine bay to assess the severity of the 'not excessive' oil leak mentioned in the February 2024 MOT. Check all four brake hoses, as the most recent test highlighted deterioration across all four flexible hoses.
Additionally, inspect the tyres closely; the 2024 MOT reported inner tyre wear on both the nearside and offside fronts, which could indicate an alignment issue or suspension wear. Finally, check the condition of the suspension arm ball joint dust covers, as these were flagged as severely deteriorated in the 2022 MOT.
This 2005 Mercedes CLS is a high-displacement 5.0L petrol model with 253,957 miles recorded at its last MOT. While it has passed its recent tests, the history shows a pattern of wear-related issues including tyre degradation, brake component wear, and an oil leak. The mileage is exceptionally high for a vehicle of this age, which increases the likelihood of component fatigue.
No aggregate reliability data is available for the Mercedes CLS to provide a specific comparison.
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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