Mercedes 320 (1999)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 31 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,738

£228/month

MOT Pass Rate

87%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3199cc Petrol

Solid Option

87% pass rate, £2,738/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

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,738

Per month£228/mo

Per week£53/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

87% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

87% of MOT tests on Mercedes 320s from 1999 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 25 years old. That's based on 31 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 120,105 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1999 models54th of 361(top 15%)

Rank among Mercedes models833rd of 1,376(bottom half)

vs average of all models+5%(82% avg)

vs 1999 models average+12%(75% avg)

vs Mercedes average+0%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

120,105

Average miles

185,000

Expected for age

The average 1999 Mercedes 320 had 120,105 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-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?

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 1999 scores 87%. 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

BMW 3 Series

2001 · 3000cc Petrol

£2,958/year

77%

-10%

BMW Z3

1999 · 3201cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

-9%

Porsche Boxster

2001 · 3200cc Petrol

£3,153/year

83%

-4%

Porsche 911

1999 · 3387cc Petrol

£2,738/year

87%

same

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About the 1999 Mercedes 320

The 1999 Mercedes 320 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 3199cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 31 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 15% of all 1999 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 120,105 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,958 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 1999 Mercedes 320?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,738 (£228/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 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

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

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 1993 model has the highest pass rate at 84%. Note: with only 31 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 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 estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Mercedes 320(1999)	87%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738
BMW 3 Series(2001)	77%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958+£220
BMW Z3(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888+£150
Porsche Boxster(2001)	83%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153+£415
Porsche 911(1999)	87%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738same

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 1999 Mercedes 320

Is the 1999 Mercedes 320 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 87% of MOT tests on 1999 Mercedes 320s ended in a pass, from 31 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 5 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1999 Mercedes 320 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,738 a year (£228 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1999 Mercedes 320?

87% of 31 MOT tests on the 1999 Mercedes 320 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 54th of 361 models first registered in 1999 (top 15%).

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 1999 Mercedes 320?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1999 Mercedes 320 is 120,105 miles, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.