2003 Mercedes CLS 5.4L Petrol · RAW 38R

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a pattern of reactive rather than proactive mechanical care. While the most recent MOT test in October 2025 at 109,387 miles passed, it highlighted lingering issues including a corroded offside front brake pipe and deteriorated rear brake hoses. The trend shows a stabilizing condition following a volatile period in early 2024 where the car failed multiple tests due to mechanical and emissions failures, suggesting that the owner only addresses faults once they reach the point of legal failure. At 23 years old, the recorded mileage of 109,387 is notably low, averaging approximately 4,756 miles per year. However, there is a significant surge in usage between April 2023 (79,914 miles) and May 2024 (95,710 miles), where the vehicle covered over 15,000 miles in just thirteen months. This rapid accumulation likely accelerated the wear on rubber components and triggered the multiple failures regarding ball joint dust covers and brake components noted during that period. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the braking system and suspension geometry. The record shows recurring issues with corroded brake pipes and thin pads, which indicates a vulnerability to moisture-related corrosion or neglected intervals. The nearside front wheel bearing flagged for play in 2024 should be checked for contemporary noise or movement, and the suspension ball joint dust covers, which were noted deteriorated twice, must be inspected to ensure no grease has escaped from the joints. Additionally, the transmission oil leak reported in May 2024 requires physical verification to ensure it has been properly rectified and is not an active leak.