2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK 1.8L Petrol · SC54 OBK

This 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK presents an unusually sparse MOT history, with records only spanning from 2021 to 2023, and notably, a paired pass and fail entry recorded on the very same day in October 2023. The absence of any advisory notes or defect entries across these tests suggests the vehicle has not exhibited the chronic corrosion, suspension wear, or brake component issues commonly associated with a Mercedes of this age and mileage when presented for inspection. However, the dual test on 28 October 2023 indicates a defect was identified and rectified at the test station to allow the subsequent pass, which is a procedural point worth raising with the seller for transparency. The intervening test in November 2022 also returned a clean pass, and the 2021 entry shows no recorded defects, suggesting a generally stable roadworthiness profile over the documented period, though the limited number of tests makes it difficult to identify any emerging patterns. With recorded mileage of 152,371 miles accumulated over approximately 22 years, the vehicle averages around 6,926 miles per year, which sits broadly within expected parameters for a car of this vintage. The recorded mileages are not provided in the dataset, so any significant jumps between tests cannot be verified, but the relatively modest annual mileage suggests the vehicle has seen consistent, moderate use rather than being subjected to severe high-mileage wear. That said, the gap between the 2021 test and the prior history means the mechanical state prior to this period is unverified by DVSA records, and a Mercedes-Benz CLK at this mileage will have experienced substantial wear on major drivetrain and chassis components regardless of annual accumulation rates. The combination of age and total distance means components such as timing chains, engine mounts, and automatic transmission torque converters are well into their expected service life. For a prospective buyer, the absence of specific advisory notes means particular attention should be paid during a physical inspection to areas commonly affected on this model, particularly the front suspension components including control arms, ball joints, and anti-roll bar bushes, which are known wear items that can produce knocking or clonking noises over uneven road surfaces. A thorough test drive should include driving over speed humps and rough tarmac at low speed to listen for any suspension knocking, while harder cornering and braking will reveal worn engine or transmission mounts through shunt or vibration through the pedal and gear selector. Brake pedal feel should be checked for excessive travel or sponginess, and the steering should be assessed for any wandering, vibration, or reluctance to self-centre, which can point to worn front suspension or steering linkage components. Beyond the chassis, the V6 or V8 engines fitted to the CLK range of this era are susceptible to oil leaks from the valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing, and rear main seal areas, so a careful visual inspection from below on a ramp is highly recommended, with the engine running to identify any seepage. The automatic transmission should be tested across all ranges with the engine at operating temperature, watching for harsh engagement, slipping, or delayed downshifts under load. Finally, given the paired test and pass on the same date, it is advisable to ask the seller for documentation relating to any rectification work carried out, and to verify that the vehicle has been regularly serviced with attention to the timing chain, which on Mercedes M-Class engines of this period is a known high-cost item if the original chain and guides have not been replaced.