2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK 3.0L Diesel · OY58 AEM

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, though the maintenance history reveals a pattern of reactive repairs rather than preventative care. The most recent test in May 2025 at 101,453 miles passed with no defects, indicating that the mechanical issues from previous years were addressed. However, the trend shows a cycle of annual failures that suggest the owner only performs maintenance when an MOT certificate is threatened. While the current status is stable, the history indicates a recurring vulnerability to suspension components and braking components. At 101,453 miles, this eighteen-year-old Mercedes has covered significantly less distance than the average vehicle, averaging roughly 5,600 miles annually. This often leads to the degradation of rubber-based components due to age and sitting rather than wear. The record shows consistent but slow mileage accumulation, such as the 4,671 miles covered between May 2024 and May 2025. The low mileage explains the presence of pitted brake discs and fractured coil springs, which frequently occur when a vehicle stands for long periods or undergoes infrequent stress cycles. A physical inspection must focus heavily on the front suspension, which has been a recurring failure point. The tester flagged a broken offside front coil spring and excessively worn suspension arm bushes in May 2024, following a ball joint issue noted in 2019. A buyer should check for any play in the control arms or signs of tearing in the bushings, as these appear to be weak points on this specific example. The 2023 failure regarding parking brake efficiency also suggests that the handbrake mechanism requires a thorough check to ensure it is not seized or corroded from the low-usage patterns. The braking system shows a history of neglect, with records of low pads and scored discs dating back to 2015 and 2018. Although the 2025 test passed without defects, the 2023 failure for exhaust emissions suggests the engine management or fuel system may be sensitive. Given the age of the car, the buyer should also inspect the chassis for structural corrosion and check fluid leaks, as low-mileage vehicles often hide weeping seals in areas that are not regularly cleaned or inspected.