2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS 2.1L Diesel · WF64 OBA

A pattern of front and rear coil spring failures on this CLS represents the defining mechanical risk for any prospective buyer. Three separate major defects have been recorded across the seven-year MOT history, with fractured coil springs flagged on the offside rear in June 2022, then simultaneously on both nearside front and nearside rear in July 2024. The latter failure also included a worn offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint, demonstrating that the suspension assembly as a whole has suffered multiple component-level failures within a short window. Despite this, the vehicle passed its most recent assessment on 17 July 2026 with advisories only, and the same undertray obscuration note and nearside rear wheel distortion advisory have appeared on every test since at least 2021, suggesting the post-repair state is currently holding but the underlying vulnerability of the spring and anti-roll bar components remains a concern given the repeat occurrences. Mileage on this twelve-year-old CLS stands at 121,494 miles, equating to roughly 10,124 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with typical usage for a car of this age. The annual test cycle from 2021 through 2026 shows consistent presentation with no extended gaps, indicating the vehicle has remained in regular use rather than laid up for long periods. That said, the annual accumulation places meaningful sustained demand on the consumable and chassis components, and the recorded suspension failures correlate with this level of use. The relatively even progression of mileage without long stationary intervals means corrosion risk from inactivity is lower, but wear-related failures on springs, linkages, bushes and dampers should still be treated as plausible given the mileage band and the components already replaced under test. For a prospective buyer, the priority inspection items centre on the suspension system that has already failed multiple times. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the front end over uneven surfaces, particularly from the offside front where the anti-roll bar linkage ball joint was previously flagged as excessively worn; any knocking, loose steering response, or vibration through the wheel would warrant immediate investigation of the replacement anti-roll bar drop links and bushes. The nearside front and nearside rear coil springs have both fractured previously, so on the move pay close attention to any sagging of the vehicle on one corner, a lower-than-expected ride height, or audible rattling from the wheel arch area over bumps, all of which would indicate a further fractured spring. Visually inspect all four springs for any signs of corrosion pitting or coating damage, as Mercedes coil springs of this era are known to suffer from corrosion-induced fracture, particularly in the lower coils. The persistent advisory regarding the nearside rear road wheel being slightly distorted is also worth scrutinising during any inspection. Check the wheel for visible run-out when spun slowly, and on the road feel for any brake pedal vibration, steering wheel shake at speed, or uneven tyre wear on the rear axle that could be exacerbated by the distorted rim. Additionally, the nearside rear tyre was previously flagged as worn close to the legal limit on its inner edge in 2023, so inspect the rear pair for uneven wear patterns that might suggest misalignment, worn rear suspension bushes, or geometry issues stemming from the replaced coil spring. Given the undertrays continue to obscure several components during test, it would be prudent to request they are removed for any pre-purchase inspection so the subframe, brake pipes, steering rack, and lower control arms can be visually assessed for corrosion or fluid leaks that would otherwise be hidden from view.