Mercedes 320 (2006)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 181 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,991

£249/month

MOT Pass Rate

78%

Average

Road Tax

£760

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3199cc Diesel

Check Carefully

78% pass rate, £2,991/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel3199cc20 years old181 tests118k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 3199cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£760

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,991

Per month£249/mo

Per week£58/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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

78% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mercedes brand average of 87%.

78% of MOT tests on Mercedes 320s from 2006 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 18 years old. That's based on 181 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 118,117 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2006 models196th of 554(top half)

Rank among Mercedes models1153rd of 1,376(bottom 17%)

vs average of all models-4%(82% avg)

vs 2006 models average+5%(73% avg)

vs Mercedes average-9%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

118,117

Average miles

133,200

Expected for age

The average 2006 Mercedes 320 had 118,117 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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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 2006 scores 78%. 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

2008 · 2926cc Diesel

£2,491/year

80%

+2%

Audi TT

2008 · 3189cc Diesel

£2,841/year

81%

+3%

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2006 · 2720cc Diesel

£2,491/year

81%

+3%

Ford Mondeo

2005 · 2967cc Diesel

£2,841/year

69%

-9%

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About the 2006 Mercedes 320

The 2006 Mercedes 320 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 3199cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 181 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2006, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 118,117 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes 320 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2006 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 £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 2006 Mercedes 320?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,991 (£249/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £760 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

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

Buying a Used 2006 Mercedes 320

At 20 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%.

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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger 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 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 118k 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.

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 2006 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(2006)	78%	£1,676	£760	Grp 35-50	£2,991
BMW 3 Series(2008)	80%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,491-£500
Audi TT(2008)	81%	£1,676	£760	Grp 35-50	£2,841-£150
Land Rover Range Rover Sport(2006)	81%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,491-£500
Ford Mondeo(2005)	69%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,841-£150

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 2006 Mercedes 320

Is the 2006 Mercedes 320 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 78% of MOT tests on 2006 Mercedes 320s ended in a pass, from 181 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2006 Mercedes 320 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,991 a year (£249 a month): £1,676 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2006 Mercedes 320?

78% of 181 MOT tests on the 2006 Mercedes 320 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 196th of 554 models first registered in 2006 (top half).

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 2006 Mercedes 320?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2006 Mercedes 320 is 118,117 miles, which is in line with the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.