2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS 3.0L Diesel · WF58 FKB

A pattern of chronic advisories affecting the undercarriage, braking and suspension components dominates the DVSA history of this 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS, with one Major failure recorded in November 2023 alongside repeat flags for brake pipe corrosion, brake hose deterioration, lower suspension arm ball joint play and front wheel bearing play stretching back to at least 2021. The most recent test on 24 July 2026 recorded a pass with no defects, which breaks the immediate advisory trend observed at the 2025 test, but a prospective buyer should not read that single clean sheet as conclusive given the underlying recurrence of similar concerns across the four prior tests. The Major defect noted on 14 November 2023, where a nearside front road wheel fixing was incompatible as only a rear wheel fixing was stamped on the alloy, is a notable safety issue that would have required correction before the vehicle could be re-presented and passed on the same date, so any current wheels should be inspected to confirm the correct fixings are fitted and torqued to specification. Recorded mileage of 128,333 miles over approximately 18 years equates to a usage rate of roughly 7,130 miles annually, which is broadly typical for the vehicle's age and does not in itself suggest extended periods off the road or unusually heavy use. The MOT records are spaced at roughly annual intervals with no prolonged gaps in testing, indicating the vehicle has been kept on the road consistently, although the advisories relating to corrosion on undertray-fitted components and the consistent obscuring of testable items by full engine covers and undertrays means that some wear items may have been developing unobserved between tests. The accumulated mileage places meaningful demand on consumables and chassis components, particularly given that brake pads, brake lines, brake hoses, suspension arms, wheel bearings and tyres have all required attention during this mileage band. From a buyer inspection perspective, the recurring nearside rear brake pipe corrosion advisory recorded in November 2022, November 2023 and July 2025, alongside the slightly deteriorated rear brake hoses flagged at the same tests, warrants close physical examination of the full brake line circuit for surface rust, pitting and any evidence of sealing compounds or grease masking active corrosion. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which would indicate progression of the lower suspension arm ball joint play that has been flagged repeatedly since November 2021, and pay particular attention to any rumble or drone that changes with cornering loads, as this is characteristic of the front wheel bearing play noted on multiple tests. Brake pedal feel should be assessed for sponginess or excessive travel, and the vehicle should be pulled sharply from high speed to check for any vibration through the steering or pedal that could indicate warped front discs given the brake pad wear previously recorded. The wheels and tyres also merit focused attention, with advisories recorded for inner edge wear on both front tyres in 2021, an offside rear tyre cracking or perishing flag in both 2022 and 2023, and a nearside rear tyre close to the legal limit in 2020, alongside a repaired nearside front alloy noted in 2023. Inspect all four wheels for distortion, particularly any repaired alloys, and verify that the wheel fixings are the correct type for each corner given the Major failure history. The missing offside rear differential mount advisory from November 2020 should be confirmed as rectified, as an absent drivetrain mounting can transmit vibration through the chassis. Finally, request that any current engine covers and undertrays be removed during inspection so that the brake pipes, suspension arms, subframe mounting points and oil leak areas can be visually assessed directly, as the consistent advisory regarding obscured components means previous tests could not fully verify their condition.