2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS 5.5L Petrol · RO63 RLS

The most recent MOT, dated 12 December 2025, was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle met the statutory safety and emissions standards at that time. Over the six‑year MOT window the pattern shows a series of advisories rather than outright failures: recurring notes on front brake disc condition, tyre wear approaching the legal limit, a corroded front brake pipe, and occasional tyre damage. This suggests a maintenance regime that has kept the car road‑legal but has not fully addressed wear items that are beginning to approach the end of their service life, so the overall trend is stable yet showing signs of gradual deterioration. At 84 655 miles the car averages roughly 6 500 miles per year, which is typical for a 2013 model and indicates no periods of excessive high‑speed use or extreme mileage accumulation. The mileage record does not reveal any large gaps that would imply long periods of storage, but the relatively modest annual run‑off does raise the possibility that some components may have aged more by calendar time than by use, particularly rubber and fluid‑based items. The mileage is low enough that major drivetrain wear such as timing‑chain stretch or excessive cam‑shaft bearing wear is unlikely, but consumables will have been subject to the full 13‑year calendar life. When inspecting the vehicle, give particular attention to the front braking system. The advisory on the front brake discs points to surface pitting and scoring; these discs may be approaching the minimum thickness required for safe operation and could produce a noticeable shudder or pulsation under heavy braking. Examine the discs for deep scoring, rust spots, or uneven wear, and verify that the calipers move freely without binding. The corroded front brake pipe should be inspected for rust flakes, moisture ingress, or any signs of leaking fluid, as a compromised pipe can lead to a loss of hydraulic pressure. On a test drive, listen for any squeal or grinding when applying the brakes and feel for any pull to one side, which would indicate uneven disc wear or caliper issues. Tyre condition also warrants close scrutiny. Advisories in 2019, 2020, 2023 and 2024 highlight edge wear, cracking and approaching legal tread depth, suggesting the current set may be nearing the end of its useful life. Check all four tyres for sidewall cracks, perishing, bulges, and tread depth across the width; uneven wear could reveal misaligned suspension bushes or worn steering components. Given the vehicle’s age, inspect the suspension bushings, ball joints and shock absorbers for any looseness, creaking or excessive play. Verify the 12 V battery health, as a 13‑year-old battery may be weakened, and confirm that engine oil, coolant and brake fluid have been changed within the recommended intervals, since fluids degrade over time even when the car is not driven heavily. A thorough visual and tactile examination combined with a short road test should reveal whether the car’s wear items are merely advisory or approaching imminent replacement.