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MERCEDES 320 (2008)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 115 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,535

£211/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£735

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

3199cc Diesel

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £2535/year to run. 7 points below average.

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Diesel3199cc18 years old115 tests121k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 3199cc)

~40 mpg

£1,245
Road Tax

Based on 3199cc

£735
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£500
Total per year£2,535
Per month£211/mo
Per week£49/wk

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

75% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.

At 18 years old, 75% of MERCEDES 320s from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 115 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 121,055 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 cars337th of 589(top 57%)
Rank among MERCEDES models1266th of 1,408(top 90%)
vs national average-7%(82% avg)
vs 2008 cars average+2%(73% avg)
vs MERCEDES average-12%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

121,055

Average miles

vs

133,200

Expected for age

The average 2008 MERCEDES 320 has 121,055 miles on the clock, 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?

The most reliable year is the 1994 model with a 91% MOT pass rate, while the 2009 model has the lowest at 71%. The 2008 sits between the two at 75%.

MERCEDES 320 by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
200971%72117,144 mi
200875%115121,055 mi
200784%148128,327 mi
200678%181118,117 mi
200572%58125,364 mi
200478%45113,945 mi
200170%3799,359 mi
200074%3992,550 mi
199987%31120,105 mi
199491%6690,618 mi
199384%376120,168 mi
199288%34138,038 mi

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About the 2008 MERCEDES 320

The 2008 MERCEDES 320 is a performance with a 3199cc diesel engine. 115 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 121,055 miles at 18 years old, MERCEDES 320 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2008 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 2008 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 75% 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 2008 MERCEDES 320

At 18 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%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2008 MERCEDES 320's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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 121k 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 2008 MERCEDES 320 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
MERCEDES 320(2008)75%£1245£735Grp 35-50£2535
BMW 3 SERIES(2008)80%£1245£250Grp 30-42£1900-£635
AUDI A5(2010)82%£1245£250Grp 30-42£1900-£635
JAGUAR XF(2010)80%£1245£250Grp 30-42£1900-£635
AUDI TT(2008)81%£1245£250Grp 35-50£1900-£635

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.

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Related Guides

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