Mercedes C 320 (2001)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 200 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,303

£275/month

MOT Pass Rate

79%

Average

Road Tax

£790

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3199cc Petrol

Check Carefully

79% pass rate, £3,303/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol3199cc25 years old200 tests105k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3199cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£790

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£3,303

Per month£275/mo

Per week£64/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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

79% 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%.

79% of MOT tests on Mercedes C 320s from 2001 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 23 years old. That's based on 200 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 104,888 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2001 models88th of 350(top half)

Rank among Mercedes models1112th of 1,376(bottom 20%)

vs average of all models-3%(82% avg)

vs 2001 models average+6%(73% avg)

vs Mercedes average-8%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

104,888

Average miles

170,200

Expected for age

The average 2001 Mercedes C 320 had 104,888 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-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?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2007 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 82%, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2001 scores 79%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Mercedes C 320 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2010	80%	35	137,998 mi
2009	76%	311	121,062 mi
2008	77%	699	126,482 mi
2007	82%	301	116,931 mi
2006	78%	269	123,701 mi
2005	77%	175	122,264 mi
2004	72%	199	104,785 mi
2003	78%	197	109,037 mi
2002	72%	178	107,506 mi
2001	79%	200	104,888 mi
2000	89%	38	103,507 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW 3 Series

2001 · 3000cc Petrol

£2,958/year

77%

-2%

BMW Z3

1999 · 3201cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

-1%

Porsche Boxster

2003 · 3179cc Petrol

£3,153/year

82%

+3%

Porsche 911

2002 · 3596cc Petrol

£3,153/year

86%

+7%

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About the 2001 Mercedes C 320

The 2001 Mercedes C 320 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 3199cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 200 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2001, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 104,888 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes C 320 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2001 Mercedes C 320 Fuel Costs

The 3199cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2001 Mercedes C 320?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,303 (£275/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 79% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Mercedes C 320 Reliability Trend

The Mercedes C 320 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2001 Mercedes C 320

At 25 years old, the Mercedes C 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 2007 model has the highest pass rate at 82%.

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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 25 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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 105k 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 2001 Mercedes C 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 C 320(2001)	79%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303
BMW 3 Series(2001)	77%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958-£345
BMW Z3(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888-£415
Porsche Boxster(2003)	82%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153-£150
Porsche 911(2002)	86%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153-£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 2001 Mercedes C 320

Is the 2001 Mercedes C 320 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 79% of MOT tests on 2001 Mercedes C 320s ended in a pass, from 200 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2001 Mercedes C 320 cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,303 a year (£275 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 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 2001 Mercedes C 320?

79% of 200 MOT tests on the 2001 Mercedes C 320 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 88th of 350 models first registered in 2001 (top half).

Which year Mercedes C 320 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2007 Mercedes C 320 has the highest MOT pass rate at 82% and the 2002 the lowest at 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2001 Mercedes C 320?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2001 Mercedes C 320 is 104,888 miles, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.