2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK 3.0L Petrol · VE07 FNH

The vehicle shows a concerning trend of deferred maintenance regarding its front suspension and braking system. The most recent test in August 2025 at 162,779 miles resulted in a failure due to significant mechanical wear. The tester identified an excessively worn offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint with deteriorated dust covers, alongside play in the nearside front suspension arm ball joint. More critically, the steering rack inner joints showed play, and the tester was unable to test brake performance entirely, suggesting a serious fault or severe degradation in the braking circuit that has not been properly addressed since the last failure. At 162,779 miles over 19 years, the CLK has been used at an average of approximately 8,500 miles per year, which is consistent with its age. However, the history reveals a recurring pattern of ignoring wear items until they fail. Corrosion in the brake pipes has been a persistent issue from 2019 through 2022, with multiple failures noted for excessive corrosion on both front and rear lines. While the vehicle passed in 2024 at 154,621 miles, the presence of slight play in the anti-roll bar linkage at that time indicates that components were already failing, leading directly to the comprehensive failure the following year. A buyer must scrutinise the structural integrity of the rear underbody and sub-frame, as surface and structural corrosion were noted as early as 2019. The front suspension requires a complete overhaul, as the repeated failures of ball joints, bushes, and steering components indicate the end of life. Given that the brake performance could not be tested in the latest inspection, the entire hydraulic system is a high-risk area that requires a professional inspection to ensure it is safe for road use.