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Mercedes-Benz CL C216 (2006-2014) reliability

Not enough data

Mercedes-Benz CL C216 built around 2014: not enough MOT data yet

We've only seen a handful of Mercedes-Benz CL C216 models built around 2014 so far. Too few to spot a pattern yet.

Looking at a Mercedes-Benz CL C216?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

Check a car’s number plate to see its own MOT record, or come back when there’s more MOT history.

Mercedes-Benz CL C216
No reliability rating: not enough tests to rate2006-2014CoupePETROL

Based on 1,597 tests of CL models registered 2006-2014.

C216 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
13020.8%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
12117.4%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
11221.4%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
14918.1%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
17917.9%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
23316.7%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
32516.3%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
29318.1%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
5518.2%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 13 years old.

How the CL C216 compares

At each age below, see how the CL C216 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 114,743 tests across 15 Mercedes-Benz models, built around 2014 (11 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateMercedes-Benz average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
13020.8%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
12117.4%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
11221.4%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
14918.1%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
17917.9%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
23316.7%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
32516.3%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
29318.1%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
5518.2%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Independent inspection

High priority

Have an independent specialist inspect the car before you commit.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Brake pipes and hoses

High priority

Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other coupes to compare

Other coupes, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the CL C216.

  1. 1

    Porsche 911

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    5.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.8%
    Dangerous
    1.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94%

    Lower fail rate: 5.3%, against 20.8% for the Mercedes-Benz CL C216, both built around 2014.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,499 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

  2. 2

    Porsche Cayman

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    8.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.3%
    Dangerous
    2.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    93%

    Lower fail rate: 8.9%, against 20.8% for the Mercedes-Benz CL C216, both built around 2014.

    1,342 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

  3. 3

    Jaguar F-Type

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    10.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.7%
    Dangerous
    3.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.3%

    Lower fail rate: 10.6%, against 20.8% for the Mercedes-Benz CL C216, both built around 2014.

    3 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,864 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

  4. 4

    Jaguar XK

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.5%
    Dangerous
    3.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96.2%

    Lower fail rate: 9.9%, against 20.8% for the Mercedes-Benz CL C216, both built around 2014.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,223 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

Not enough registration data to show this for the Mercedes-Benz CL.

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Recall context

6 recalls in all

2 of the 6 CL C216 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 recalls

Top concerns

  • Faulty control unit may cause vehicle to perform outside specification
  • Front lights / indicators and console lights may fail.

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

How CL C216 cars have aged

How CL C216 cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%791113151719Age at MOTBuilt around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 19.6% (97 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 9.1% (77 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 16.3% (86 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 12.5% (72 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 20.5% (83 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 18.8% (85 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 12.5% (72 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 20.5% (83 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 17.7% (79 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 18.7% (75 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 18.9% (74 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 15.3% (72 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 16.7% (66 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 10.6% (66 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 24.6% (65 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 18.2% (99 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 17.5% (97 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 19.1% (89 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 14.5% (76 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 17.1% (76 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 16.5% (109 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 20.2% (109 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 16.8% (101 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 19.2% (99 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 15.3% (98 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 20.9% (158 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 17.9% (151 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 15.5% (129 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 17.0% (147 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 18.6% (129 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 19.1% (178 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 18.1% (160 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 20.9% (172 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 22.2% (171 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 14.2% (141 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 20.1% (368 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 15.8% (311 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 16.6% (296 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 16.8% (286 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 18.2% (264 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 24.4% (78 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 26.8% (71 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 17.2% (58 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 20.0% (60 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 18.2% (55 tests, 2025 data)2006
First registered around 2014First registered around 2013First registered around 2012First registered around 2011
All generations of this modelNot enough data

Most common issues on Mercedes-Benz CL models of this age

This list covers every Mercedes-Benz CL built around 2014, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the C216 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    16.1%
    Advisory: 28Fail: 4 (13% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    13.1%
    Advisory: 15Fail: 11 (42% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    13.1%
    Advisory: 25Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    7.7%
    Advisory: 13Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    6.9%
    Advisory: 8Fail: 6 (43% of the times it was found)

Based on 130 tests

Looking at a Mercedes-Benz CL C216?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2014 (11 years old), the Mercedes-Benz CL C216 (2006-2014) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 130 11-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 1,597 MOT tests on Mercedes-Benz CL models first registered between 2006-2014. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.