BMW 4 Series vs Mercedes CLS

Both are coupés & GTs. First-time MOT failure at age 7, and what each one is known to fail on.

The BMW 4 Series is the more reliable of the two. It fails its first MOT at age 7 15.2% of the time, against 18.2% for the Mercedes CLS.

BMW 4 Series

15.2%

fail at age 7

Rank 59 of 239 · 63k miles at 7 · 119,232 tests

Mercedes CLS

18.2%

fail at age 7

Rank 115 of 239 · 64k miles at 7 · 17,327 tests

What each one fails on

Measured

The faults each records most at ages 6 to 9. Same figures as each full report.

A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively wornAdvisory4.7%

Play in steering rack inner joint(s)Advisory3.9%

A shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakageAdvisory3.2%

Fluid leaking excessively and likely to harm the environment or to pose a safety risk to other road usersAdvisory2.6%

A shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakageFail1.1%

A wheel badly distorted or wear between wheel and hub at spigot mountingAdvisory0.8%

A wheel bearing with excessive playAdvisory4.7%

A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively wornAdvisory4.0%

A suspension joint dust cover severely deterioratedMinor3.0%

A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakenedFail2.6%

A wheel badly distorted or wear between wheel and hub at spigot mountingAdvisory1.8%

Engine MIL illuminated indicating a malfunctionFail1.7%