2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK 3.2L Petrol · MM53 ANN

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance trend that has shifted from stable to worsening in recent years. While the car enjoyed several years of clean MOT results between 2013 and 2018, the records from 2019 onwards show a recurring pattern of neglected components. The most recent test on 10 December 2025 at 58,996 miles passed, but only after a failure the previous day. This latest inspection flagged significant wear across multiple systems, including worn suspension arm bushes, play in both front wheel bearings, and play in the steering rack inner joint. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 2004 vehicle, with only 58,996 miles recorded over 22 years. This averages roughly 2,682 miles per year, which explains the specific types of deterioration seen in the history. The record shows long periods of inactivity, evidenced by the frequent advisories for perishing tyres, pitted brake discs, and corroded exhaust mountings. The lack of regular movement often accelerates the degradation of rubber components and the surface corrosion of braking surfaces, which is clearly reflected in the consistent findings from 2019 through to 2025. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension and steering assembly. The tester identified multiple worn bushes on the lower suspension arms and Macpherson struts, alongside steering rack play, which suggests the vehicle will require immediate mechanical attention to restore handling precision. The presence of slight play in both front wheel bearings and the deterioration of rear brake hoses also indicate that several fundamental components are nearing the end of their serviceable life. Further attention should be paid to the underside of the vehicle to assess the extent of corrosion. The 2025 test noted a corroded rear anti-roll bar, and previous years have consistently flagged corroded exhaust brackets and mountings. While these have not yet been recorded as structural failures, the progression of corrosion on a low-use vehicle is a significant risk. Additionally, the buyer should verify that the CV boot issues noted in 2025 and the various tyre defects have been fully rectified with high-quality replacements rather than temporary fixes.