2012 Mercedes-Benz Cl 500 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Cl 500 models manufactured in 2012, based on 176 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all Cl 500 cars tested in 2012. Want to see how cars built in 2012 hold up over time?
View 2012 Mercedes-Benz Cl 500 vintage page → (61.3% current pass rate)2012 Mercedes-Benz Cl 500 MOT Analysis
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz Cl 500 has an MOT pass rate of 70.5% based on 176 tests — above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 70,808 miles on the odometer. With a 29.5% failure rate, the 2012 Cl 500 is rated as "Very Good" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Cl 500 is Brakes, responsible for 46.0% of failures. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs range from £150–400. Identification of the vehicle is the second most common issue at 18.2%. Visibility follows at 9.1%.
Top failures specific to 2012 models only. The overall Cl 500 page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
View as table
| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brakes | 46.0% | 81 |
| 2 | Identification Of The Vehicle | 18.2% | 32 |
| 3 | Visibility | 9.1% | 16 |
| 4 | Steering | 9.1% | 16 |
| 5 | Suspension | 1.7% | 3 |
| 6 | Tyres | 1.1% | 2 |
| 7 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 0.6% | 1 |
| 8 | Non-component Advisories | 0.6% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 70,808 miFor every 10,000 miles driven, this shows what percentage of MOT tests fail for each category. This accounts for how far cars are actually driven, not just raw pass/fail counts.
View as table
| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 6.50 | 46.0% | 81 |
| Identification of the vehicle | 2.57 | 18.2% | 32 |
| Visibility | 1.28 | 9.1% | 16 |
| Steering | 1.28 | 9.1% | 16 |
| Suspension | 0.24 | 1.7% | 3 |
| Tyres | 0.16 | 1.1% | 2 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.08 | 0.6% | 1 |
| Non-component advisories | 0.08 | 0.6% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz Cl 500 has an MOT pass rate of 70.5% based on 176 tests — above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 70,808 miles on the odometer. With a 29.5% failure rate, the 2012 Cl 500 is rated as "Very Good" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 2012 Mercedes-Benz Cl 500, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to brakes: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm). At 70,808 average miles, these vehicles are in the mid-range where component wear starts to become a factor.
Brakes — 46.0% of failures
Brakes issues account for 46.0% of MOT failures on 2012 Mercedes-Benz Cl 500 models. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs: £150–400. Pre-MOT check: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm).
Identification of the vehicle — 18.2% of failures
Identification of the vehicle issues account for 18.2% of MOT failures on 2012 Mercedes-Benz Cl 500 models. Identification failures relate to the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and registration plate. The VIN must be permanently displayed and legible, and the registration plate must meet British Standard formatting. Typical repair costs: £10–50. Pre-MOT check: Ensure the VIN plate is visible and legible (usually in the windscreen or under the bonnet). Check that number plates are clean, undamaged, and use the correct font and spacing.
Visibility — 9.1% of failures
Visibility issues account for 9.1% of MOT failures on 2012 Mercedes-Benz Cl 500 models. Visibility failures relate to the windscreen, wipers, washers, mirrors, and view-obstructing damage. Cracks in the windscreen swept area, ineffective wipers, or empty washer bottles are common causes. Typical repair costs: £10–300. Pre-MOT check: Check the windscreen for chips and cracks — damage larger than 10mm in the driver's swept area or 40mm elsewhere will fail. Test washers and wipers. Ensure both door mirrors are intact and adjustable.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.