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MERCEDES C 320 (2002)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 178 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,907

£242/month

MOT Pass Rate

72%

Average

Road Tax

£760

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

3199cc Petrol

Check Carefully

72% pass rate, £2907/year to run. 10 points below average.

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Petrol3199cc24 years old178 tests108k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3199cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592
Road Tax

Based on 3199cc

£760
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500
Total per year£2,907
Per month£242/mo
Per week£56/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

72% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.

At 24 years old, 72% of MERCEDES C 320s from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 178 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 107,506 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2002 cars236th of 403(top 59%)
Rank among MERCEDES models1335th of 1,408(top 95%)
vs national average-10%(82% avg)
vs 2002 cars average-1%(73% avg)
vs MERCEDES average-15%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

107,506

Average miles

vs

177,600

Expected for age

The average 2002 MERCEDES C 320 has 107,506 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 177,600 miles for a 24-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?

The most reliable year is the 2007 model with a 82% MOT pass rate, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 72%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.

MERCEDES C 320 by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
201080%35137,998 mi
200976%311121,062 mi
200877%699126,482 mi
200782%301116,931 mi
200678%269123,701 mi
200577%175122,264 mi
200472%199104,785 mi
200378%197109,037 mi
200272%178107,506 mi
200179%200104,888 mi
200089%38103,507 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

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About the 2002 MERCEDES C 320

The 2002 MERCEDES C 320 is a performance with a 3199cc petrol engine. 178 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2002, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 107,506 miles at 24 years old, MERCEDES C 320 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2002 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2002 MERCEDES C 320?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,907 242/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% 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 2002 MERCEDES C 320

At 24 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.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2002 MERCEDES C 320's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 24 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 108k 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 2002 MERCEDES C 320 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
MERCEDES C 320(2002)72%£1592£760Grp 35-50£2907
BMW 3 SERIES(2001)77%£1592£250Grp 30-42£2397-£510
MERCEDES E(2004)78%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2397-£510
PORSCHE BOXSTER(2003)82%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2247-£660
PORSCHE 911(2002)86%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2247-£660

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.

Related Mercedes Models

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Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the Mercedes C 320.

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