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MERCEDES 320 (2009)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 72 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,535

£211/month

MOT Pass Rate

71%

Average

Road Tax

£735

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

3199cc Diesel

Check Carefully

71% pass rate, £2535/year to run. 11 points below average.

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Diesel3199cc17 years old72 tests117k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 3199cc)

~40 mpg

£1,245
Road Tax

Based on 3199cc

£735
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£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

71% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.

At 17 years old, 71% of MERCEDES 320s from 2009 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 72 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 117,144 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2009 cars462th of 575(top 80%)
Rank among MERCEDES models1352th of 1,408(top 96%)
vs national average-11%(82% avg)
vs 2009 cars average-4%(75% avg)
vs MERCEDES average-16%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

117,144

Average miles

vs

125,800

Expected for age

The average 2009 MERCEDES 320 has 117,144 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 125,800 miles for a 17-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%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

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About the 2009 MERCEDES 320

The 2009 MERCEDES 320 is a performance with a 3199cc diesel engine. 72 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 80% of 2009 cars for MOT pass rates.

With an average of 117,144 miles at 17 years old, MERCEDES 320 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2009 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 2009 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 71% 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 2009 MERCEDES 320

At 17 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. Note: with only 72 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2009 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 117k 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 2009 MERCEDES 320 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
MERCEDES 320(2009)71%£1245£735Grp 35-50£2535
BMW 3 SERIES(2008)80%£1245£250Grp 30-42£1900-£635
AUDI A4(2011)82%£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

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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