MERCEDES 320 (1999)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 31 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
87%
Total Tests (2024)
31
Avg Mileage
120,105 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,247
Is the 1999 MERCEDES 320 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 25 years old, 87% of MERCEDES 320s from 1999 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 31 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 120,105 miles.
How does the 1999 MERCEDES 320 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1999 MERCEDES 320 has 120,105 miles on the clock, 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.
Best year to buy a MERCEDES 320?
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%.
How much does a 1999 MERCEDES 320 cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
MERCEDES 320 by Year
Checking a specific MERCEDES 320?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
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 2024, 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 25 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 £2,247 (£187/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 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 25 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.
Alternatives to the 1999 MERCEDES 320
The MERCEDES 320 is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol performances from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- BMW 3 SERIES (2001) 77% pass rate (-10%) from 9,406 tests
- BMW Z3 (1999) 78% pass rate (-9%) from 8,191 tests
- PORSCHE BOXSTER (2001) 83% pass rate (-4%) from 4,134 tests
- PORSCHE 911 (1999) 87% pass rate (same) from 3,668 tests