MERCEDES 320 (2004)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 45 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,535
£211/month
MOT Pass Rate
78%
Average
Road Tax
£735
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
3199cc Diesel
Check Carefully
78% pass rate, £2535/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Based on 3199cc
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 22 years old, 78% of MERCEDES 320s from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 45 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 113,945 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
113,945
Average miles
162,800
Expected for age
The average 2004 MERCEDES 320 has 113,945 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-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 2004 sits between the two at 78%.
MERCEDES 320 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2004 MERCEDES 320
The 2004 MERCEDES 320 is a performance with a 3199cc diesel engine. 45 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 113,945 miles at 22 years old, MERCEDES 320 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2004 MERCEDES 320 Fuel Costs
The 3199cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2004 MERCEDES 320?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,535 (£211/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £735 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% 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 2004 MERCEDES 320
At 22 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 45 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2004 MERCEDES 320's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.
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 114k 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.
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 2004 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(2004) | 78% | £1245 | £735 | Grp 35-50 | £2535 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2005) | 78% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2050-£485 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT(2006) | 81% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £1900-£635 |
| FORD MONDEO(2005) | 69% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2250-£285 |
| FIAT DUCATO(2005) | 77% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2050-£485 |
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
2005 · 2926cc Diesel
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT
2006 · 2720cc Diesel
FORD MONDEO
2005 · 2967cc Diesel
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