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.
Check a specific MERCEDES 320
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 3199cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Get an insurance quote for this MERCEDES 320
Compare quotes and find the best deal
Reliability Verdict
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.
Got a MERCEDES 320 you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
120,105
Average miles
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.
Looking at a specific MERCEDES 320?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
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
Similar Cars to Consider
Check a Specific Mercedes 320
Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.
Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.
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 outAt 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 riskLarger 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith 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 riskHigh-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 riskWorn 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 riskAlways 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.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MERCEDES 320(1999) | 87% | £1592 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £2757 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2001) | 77% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2397-£360 |
| BMW Z3(1999) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397-£360 |
| PORSCHE BOXSTER(2001) | 83% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£510 |
| PORSCHE 911(1999) | 87% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 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.
Related Mercedes Models
Explore other Mercedes cars or similar models in the same category.
MERCEDES A
2019 · 1461cc Diesel
MERCEDES C
2017 · 1991cc Hybrid
MERCEDES A-CLASS
2017 · 1461cc Diesel
BMW 3 SERIES
2001 · 3000cc Petrol
BMW Z3
1999 · 3201cc Petrol
PORSCHE BOXSTER
2001 · 3200cc Petrol
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Mercedes 320.
Cars That Lose Value Fastest: Models to Avoid for Depreciation
8 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Run in 2026: Real Data from 19.8 Million MOT Tests
9 min read
Reliability20 Most Reliable Used Cars UK 2026: Real MOT Pass Rate Rankings
10 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Problems: 7 Issues Owners Report (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific MERCEDES 320
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a MERCEDES 320? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
Competitors charge £10-£20 for the same data