Mercedes 320 (1994)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 66 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,588

£216/month

MOT Pass Rate

91%

Excellent

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3199cc Petrol

Great Choice

91% pass rate, £2,588/year to run. 9 points above average.

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Petrol3199cc32 years old66 tests91k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3199cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£2,588

Per month£216/mo

Per week£50/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

91% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 9 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Mercedes brand average of 87%.

91% of MOT tests on Mercedes 320s from 1994 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 30 years old. That's based on 66 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 90,618 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1994 models14th of 204(top 7%)

Rank among Mercedes models591st of 1,376(top half)

vs average of all models+9%(82% avg)

vs 1994 models average+15%(76% avg)

vs Mercedes average+4%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

90,618

Average miles

222,000

Expected for age

The average 1994 Mercedes 320 had 90,618 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 222,000 miles for a 30-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1993 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 84%, while the 2008 model has the lowest at 75%. The 1994 scores 91%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Mercedes 320 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2009	71%	72	117,144 mi
2008	75%	115	121,055 mi
2007	84%	148	128,327 mi
2006	78%	181	118,117 mi
2005	72%	58	125,364 mi
2004	78%	45	113,945 mi
2001	70%	37	99,359 mi
2000	74%	39	92,550 mi
1999	87%	31	120,105 mi
1994	91%	66	90,618 mi
1993	84%	376	120,168 mi
1992	88%	34	138,038 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Porsche 911

1996 · 3600cc Petrol

£2,588/year

91%

same

Mercedes E

1995 · 3606cc Petrol

£2,888/year

79%

-12%

BMW 3 Series

1995 · 2793cc Petrol

£2,738/year

80%

-11%

Mercedes SL

1996 · 2779cc Petrol

£2,738/year

88%

-3%

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About the 1994 Mercedes 320

The 1994 Mercedes 320 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 3199cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 66 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 7% of all 1994 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 90,618 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes 320 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1994 Mercedes 320 Fuel Costs

The 3199cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1994 Mercedes 320?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,588 (£216/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 91% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

Mercedes 320 Reliability Trend

The Mercedes 320 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1994 Mercedes 320

At 32 years old, the Mercedes 320 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 1993 model has the highest pass rate at 84%. Note: with only 66 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 32 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With an average of 91k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1994 Mercedes 320 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Mercedes 320(1994)	91%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,588
Porsche 911(1996)	91%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,588same
Mercedes E(1995)	79%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888+£300
BMW 3 Series(1995)	80%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,738+£150
Mercedes SL(1996)	88%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,738+£150

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1994 Mercedes 320

Is the 1994 Mercedes 320 reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 91% of MOT tests on 1994 Mercedes 320s ended in a pass, from 66 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1994 Mercedes 320 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,588 a year (£216 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1994 Mercedes 320?

91% of 66 MOT tests on the 1994 Mercedes 320 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 14th of 204 models first registered in 1994 (top 7%).

Which year Mercedes 320 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1993 Mercedes 320 has the highest MOT pass rate at 84% and the 2008 the lowest at 75%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1994 Mercedes 320?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1994 Mercedes 320 is 90,618 miles, which is significantly below the expected 222,000 miles for a 30-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.