2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS 3.0L Diesel · YP16 SWJ

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS has maintained a consistent MOT pass record across all five tests, with the most recent inspection on 20 August 2025 at 49,010 miles confirming no defects. This suggests a stable roadworthiness profile over the past two years, though the record’s silence on advisories or minor issues means critical components like suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake calipers have not been explicitly cleared beyond basic MOT thresholds. The absence of failures or advisories in the last two tests indicates no obvious recurring mechanical trends, but the lack of pre-MOT servicing records means potential wear—such as in the drivetrain or exhaust—could remain undocumented. The vehicle’s mileage progression of roughly 4,900 miles annually is unusually low for its age, with gaps between tests averaging around 4,000 miles. The most significant jump occurred between the 2022 tests, where the vehicle remained stationary for nearly a year (32,547 miles in August, then no movement until September 2023). Prolonged inactivity can accelerate corrosion in wheel arches, underbody components, and suspension joints, particularly in a premium vehicle prone to rust in high-stress areas. The 2022 duplicate MOT entry (both pass and fail at identical mileage) appears to be an administrative anomaly rather than a mechanical issue, but it warrants scrutiny of the test centre’s records for consistency. Given the lack of advisories or failures, the buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of suspension integrity—particularly rear bushes and coil springs—given the vehicle’s age and low mileage. Exhaust emissions systems, while not flagged, may require a smoke test to confirm no leaks, as catalytic converters in this model are prone to clogging over time. The brakes, though not explicitly tested for wear, should be checked for uneven pad thickness or warped discs, especially if the vehicle has experienced sudden stops or heavy loads. Corrosion checks under the sills, wheel housings, and subframe mounts are essential, given the prolonged periods of inactivity noted in the mileage history.