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MERCEDES 320 (1999)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 31 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,757

£230/month

MOT Pass Rate

87%

Good

Road Tax

£760

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

3199cc Petrol

Solid Option

87% pass rate, £2757/year to run. 5 points above average.

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Petrol3199cc27 years old31 tests120k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3199cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592
Road Tax

Based on 3199cc

£760
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£2,757
Per month£230/mo
Per week£53/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

87% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.

At 27 years old, 87% of MERCEDES 320s from 1999 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 31 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 120,105 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1999 cars58th of 375(top 15%)
Rank among MERCEDES models845th of 1,408(top 60%)
vs national average+5%(82% avg)
vs 1999 cars average+12%(75% avg)
vs MERCEDES average+0%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

120,105

Average miles

vs

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1999 MERCEDES 320 has 120,105 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 1994 model with a 91% MOT pass rate, while the 2009 model has the lowest at 71%. The 1999 sits between the two at 87%.

MERCEDES 320 by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
200971%72117,144 mi
200875%115121,055 mi
200784%148128,327 mi
200678%181118,117 mi
200572%58125,364 mi
200478%45113,945 mi
200170%3799,359 mi
200074%3992,550 mi
199987%31120,105 mi
199491%6690,618 mi
199384%376120,168 mi
199288%34138,038 mi

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About the 1999 MERCEDES 320

The 1999 MERCEDES 320 is a performance with a 3199cc petrol engine. 31 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 15% of all 1999 cars for reliability.

With an average of 120,105 miles at 27 years old, MERCEDES 320 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1999 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1999 MERCEDES 320?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,757 230/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 87% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

MERCEDES 320 Reliability Trend

Older MERCEDES 320s tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 5 percentage points across model years.

Buying a Used 1999 MERCEDES 320

At 27 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 1994 model has the highest pass rate at 91%. Note: with only 31 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 1999 MERCEDES 320's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 27 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

Watch out

With an average of 120k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

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 1999 MERCEDES 320 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
MERCEDES 320(1999)87%£1592£760Grp 35-50£2757
BMW 3 SERIES(2001)77%£1592£250Grp 30-42£2397-£360
BMW Z3(1999)78%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2397-£360
PORSCHE BOXSTER(2001)83%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2247-£510
PORSCHE 911(1999)87%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2247-£510

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

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Related Guides

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