2008 Mercedes CL 500 5.5L Petrol · Y20 AAW
2008 Mercedes CL 500 (5.5L, petrol). First registered 01 Mar 2008. Recorded mileage 104,854 miles. MOT expired on 07 Oct 2026. Taxed until 01 May 2027.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES CL 500
- Year / Origin
- 2008 · Leeds
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 07 Oct 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 May 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 104,854 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 5.5L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
Y20 AAW Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 09/10/2025
- 104,854 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (9 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
Y20 AAW MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2008 Mercedes Cl 500 (Y20 AAW) between October 2023 and October 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 09 October 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (9 issues), Suspension (6 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 15 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn shock ab arm (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint likely to become detached rearmost (5.3.4 (a) (ii))”.
Y20 AAW Mileage History
- 27/10/202398,329 mi
- 09/11/2024101,596 mi+3,267 mi
- 12/11/2024101,596 mi
- 08/10/2025104,854 mi+3,258 mi
- 09/10/2025104,854 mi
Average of roughly 3,343 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution but consider this a relatively stable example of a large-capacity luxury coupe. While the MOT history shows recent failures, the vehicle has consistently passed following retests.
When viewing this CL 500, focus on the recent MOT failures. Although the specific defect types were not recorded in the digital history provided, the fact that it failed in both 2024 and 2025 suggests there may be recurring issues with consumables or minor components that require attention. Ask the seller for the specific reasons for these failures to ensure they were addressed properly.
Given the 4966cc engine, ensure you check the service history for oil changes and cooling system maintenance. Large-capacity Mercedes engines require strict adherence to service intervals to avoid expensive component failures. Check for any signs of fluid leaks around the engine bay and ensure all electronic luxury features are functioning, as these are common high-cost items on this model.
Expect significant running costs due to the 5.0-litre petrol engine. This vehicle sits in a high insurance group and will likely attract a higher tax band compared to smaller displacement models. Fuel economy will be a primary concern for daily driving, especially in urban environments.
Maintenance costs for a Mercedes-Benz of this era and engine size can be substantial. While the MOT history shows no current defects, the cost of parts and specialist labour for a V8 engine can escalate quickly. Budget for higher-than-average annual maintenance to cover tyres, brakes, and potential sensor replacements.
Inspect the vehicle specifically for any signs of the issues that caused the 2024 and 2025 MOT failures. Since the data does not specify the exact fault, a thorough inspection of the braking system, tyre tread/condition, and lighting components is advised, as these are frequent causes of MOT failure.
Additionally, check the condition of the suspension components and bushings. Large, heavy coupes like the CL 500 place significant stress on these parts. Look for any uneven tyre wear or unusual noises when driving over bumps, which could indicate wear that hasn't yet resulted in an MOT failure.
This 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL 500 is a high-capacity 4.9L petrol coupe with 104,854 miles on the clock. The MOT history for the last three years shows a pattern of failing on the initial test before passing on a retest, most recently in October 2025. Despite these technical failures, the records show no ongoing defects or advisories in the most recent pass.
No aggregate reliability data is currently available for the Mercedes-Benz CL 500 to provide a comparative benchmark.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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