2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS 3.0L Diesel · R888 AAG

A largely reassuring mechanical story emerges from this 2008 Mercedes CLS record, headlined by a clean pass on the most recent examination dated 6 May 2026, although the underlying trend is not without its concerns. The vehicle achieved an advisory-free pass in 2023 before returning a pair of tyre advisories in April 2024 for both rear tyres wearing close to the legal limit with edge wear and slight cracking. The following year proved more eventful: an offside rear coil spring fracture was recorded as a Major defect at the April 2025 test, an item serious enough to warrant an immediate failure, alongside advisories for a deteriorating rear exhaust mounting and both rear brake hoses showing signs of deterioration. The successful re-test on the same date cleared the spring issue but retained the hose advisories, leaving the impression of a chassis and underbody that has begun to show its age despite the otherwise tidy paperwork. Annual mileage accumulation is conspicuously low across this eighteen-year-old platform, with the recorded 91,747 miles averaging roughly 5,100 miles per year. Such modest usage for a vehicle of this vintage suggests either limited regular use or extended periods of standing, and mechanically this brings its own considerations. Lower-mileage examples often present with seized or binding brake calipers due to infrequent operation, dried and cracked rubber components throughout the suspension and underbody, and corrosion that progresses where moisture settles without the protective benefit of regular driving drying out the chassis. It is worth noting that the recorded MOT tests are annual rather than revealing long gaps off road, suggesting the car has been used consistently albeit sparingly, which mitigates the worst risks associated with prolonged storage but still warrants scrutiny of any rubber, seal, or pivot components that age independently of mileage. A prospective buyer should focus particular attention on the rear suspension and underfloor corrosion given the recorded coil spring failure. Fractured coil springs on this generation of Mercedes are often associated with general chassis corrosion rather than an isolated fatigue point, so a thorough inspection of the rear spring platforms, axle mounting points, and subframe for any bubbling or perforation is strongly recommended. Pay close attention to any clonking over uneven surfaces or a slight rear-end sag, both of which could indicate further spring distress or weakened mounting rubbers. The dual rear brake hose advisories from 2025 are also worth verifying, as deteriorated hoses can blister under pressure and should ideally have been replaced; feel for a soft or spongy pedal on test, and watch for any pulling to one side under braking that might indicate uneven rear hydraulic pressure. Finally, the rear tyre advisories from 2024, noted for both edge wear and sidewall cracking, hint at a rear axle geometry issue or simply age-related rubber degradation given the low annual mileage. Sidewall cracking in particular is common on low-use vehicles where tyres can sit loaded for prolonged periods, and a current inspection of the rear tread depth and sidewall condition is essential, looking for stepped or feathered wear across the tread that would point to misalignment. The exhaust mounting advisory is a relatively minor concern but warrants a check for any rattling under acceleration or over bumps. Test driving the vehicle on a variety of road surfaces, including some sharper inputs and emergency stops, will be the most effective way to surface any remaining issues from these flagged components before committing to purchase.