Mercedes 350 (2012)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 34 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,341

£195/month

MOT Pass Rate

91%

Excellent

Road Tax

£410

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2987cc Diesel

Great Choice

91% pass rate, £2,341/year to run. 9 points above average.

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Diesel2987cc14 years old34 tests91k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2987cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£410

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£2,341

Per month£195/mo

Per week£45/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

91% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 9 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Mercedes brand average of 87%.

91% of MOT tests on Mercedes 350s from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 34 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 90,714 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 models112th of 650(top 18%)

Rank among Mercedes models600th of 1,376(top half)

vs average of all models+9%(82% avg)

vs 2012 models average+13%(78% avg)

vs Mercedes average+4%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

90,714

Average miles

88,800

Expected for age

The average 2012 Mercedes 350 had 90,714 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Mercedes 350 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2016	91%	46	60,010 mi
2012	91%	34	90,714 mi
2011	81%	43	116,323 mi
2010	87%	93	89,441 mi
2008	98%	46	57,282 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Land Rover Range Rover

2013 · 2926cc Diesel

£2,491/year

88%

-3%

Audi A4

2011 · 2967cc Diesel

£2,491/year

82%

-9%

Jaguar XF

2014 · 2993cc Diesel

£2,491/year

84%

-7%

Audi A5

2013 · 2967cc Diesel

£2,491/year

85%

-6%

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About the 2012 Mercedes 350

The 2012 Mercedes 350 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 2987cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 34 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 18% of all 2012 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 90,714 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes 350 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2012 Mercedes 350 Fuel Costs

The 2987cc 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 2012 Mercedes 350?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,341 (£195/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 91% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

Buying a Used 2012 Mercedes 350

At 14 years old, the Mercedes 350 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 34 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 91k 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 2012 Mercedes 350 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 350(2012)	91%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,341
Land Rover Range Rover(2013)	88%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,491+£150
Audi A4(2011)	82%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,491+£150
Jaguar XF(2014)	84%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,491+£150
Audi A5(2013)	85%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,491+£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 2012 Mercedes 350

Is the 2012 Mercedes 350 reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 91% of MOT tests on 2012 Mercedes 350s ended in a pass, from 34 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2012 Mercedes 350 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,341 a year (£195 a month): £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 Mercedes 350?

91% of 34 MOT tests on the 2012 Mercedes 350 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 112th of 650 models first registered in 2012 (top 18%).

What is the average mileage for a 2012 Mercedes 350?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Mercedes 350 is 90,714 miles, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.