2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS 2.9L Diesel · RE68 EYR

With four passing MOT tests on record and a single administrative refusal that produced no defects, the CLS presents an unbroken record of roadworthiness at the official test face. The 2025-07-30 pass carries zero advisories, and the 2024-07-31, 2023-08-01, and 2022-06-11 results are similarly clean. The isolated failure on 2025-07-29 is best regarded as a procedural refusal with no recorded defect data, given the immediate successful retest the following day. In MOT terms, there is no chronic pattern of worn components, corrosion, or developing failures flagged by the examiner. This is a positive baseline, though the absence of advisories on a high-mileage car should always prompt closer physical scrutiny rather than full reassurance. At 113,238 miles over roughly eight years, this CLS is averaging around 14,155 miles annually, which is firmly in the upper bracket for a vehicle of this class and age. Such sustained motorway-grade mileage accelerates wear on the larger, more expensive items that the MOT does not necessarily grade for individual condition, including the coil springs, adaptive dampers, and multi-link rear suspension components that the CLS uses. Brake discs, pads, and the associated electronic wear sensors will also have been worked far harder than on a typical 8,000-mile-per-year executive saloon, and while the discs may still be within service life, the second set is often where warping and hot-spotting begin to surface. The mileage spread between tests is consistent, with no extended lay-up gaps, so there is no particular concern about seized handbrake mechanisms, perished rubber gaiters, or stale brake fluid from disuse, but the cumulative wear profile still warrants a component-level inspection. On a physical appraisal, attention should centre on the suspension as the highest-mileage-sensitive area. Listen for any clonking or dull knocking from the front lower wishbones, the anti-roll bar drop links, and the upper front thrust arms when traversing speed bumps or rough Tarmac, as these are known wear items on the CLS platform. With the engine running, perform a full lock-to-lock steering sweep and feel for any notchiness or vibration through the rim, which would point to worn tie-rod ends or a tired electric power steering rack mounting. Inspect the inner faces of the front and rear brake discs for an obvious lip, surface rust pitting, or a blueing discoloration that would indicate overheating from previous pad change cycles, and check that the caliper sliders move freely without sticking, particularly at the rear, given the mileage. Also examine the alloy wheels for kerb impact damage and verify that all four tyres are a matching brand and tread depth, as uneven replacement patterns can betray previous alignment or suspension geometry issues. Under the bonnet, look for any signs of oil misting around the camshaft cover, valve cover, and front timing cover area, which on high-mileage Mercedes V6 and V8 engines can develop into seepage that ultimately contaminates the alternator and drives belts. Examine the underside from a ramp or using a torch for any fresh staining on the engine sump, gearbox housing, or the rear differential, as the CLS in particular uses a low-set front splitter and undertray that can mask gradual leaks. With the vehicle idling, check the exhaust for any blue smoke on initial throttle blip, which would suggest valve stem seal degradation consistent with this mileage band. Finally, request evidence of the most recent major service, including the brake fluid, coolant, and automatic transmission fluid, as none of these are inspected at MOT but all are critical on a high-mileage Mercedes and represent the most likely future maintenance liability for the next owner.