2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS 2.1L Diesel · SF63 AKU

The Mercedes-Benz CLS has maintained a clean MOT record over the past two tests, with the most recent inspection on 2 August 2024 at 103,121 miles showing no defects or advisories. This suggests a stable maintenance trend, with no signs of recurring mechanical failures or structural degradation. The absence of advisories or failures in the 2022 and 2021 tests—conducted at 80,720 miles and 74,465 miles , respectively—further reinforces that the vehicle has passed through its latest MOT with no red flags. However, the 19-month gap between the 2022 and 2024 tests is longer than the standard annual requirement, which could indicate either infrequent testing or a potential oversight in scheduling. That said, the clean history implies that if maintenance has been consistent, the car has avoided common high-mileage issues like suspension wear, brake binding, or exhaust leaks. The mileage accumulation of 7,932 miles per year aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age, neither excessively high nor abnormally low. The 18,391-mile jump between the 2021 and 2022 tests suggests a period of regular use, while the subsequent 22,401-mile gap until 2024 may reflect a slower phase or a delay in testing. Without additional service records, it’s impossible to confirm whether this aligns with manufacturer-recommended intervals, but the absence of defects in the MOTs suggests that any deferred maintenance did not result in critical failures. Buyers should verify if the car has been serviced according to Mercedes-Benz’s schedule, particularly for items like brake fluid, differentials, and timing belt (if applicable), as these are not covered by MOT but are critical for long-term reliability. Given the sparse but clean MOT history, a prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of suspension components , including bushings, coil springs, and ball joints, as these are high-wear areas on a 13-year-old luxury vehicle. The rear brakes should be checked for binding or uneven wear, especially if the car has been driven on varied road surfaces. While the MOTs show no issues, structural corrosion —common in older Mercedes models—should be scrutinised, particularly around wheel arches, sills, and underbody panels. The exhaust system and emissions were not flagged, but a visual check for leaks or rusted sections is advisable. Finally, the tyre condition and wiper blades should be verified, as these are consumables not covered by MOT but essential for safety. The lack of advisories in the past two tests is encouraging, but a pre-purchase inspection by a Mercedes specialist would be prudent to confirm no hidden wear.