MERCEDES C 320 (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 197 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
78%
Total Tests (2024)
197
Avg Mileage
109,037 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,397
Is the 2003 MERCEDES C 320 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 21 years old, 78% of MERCEDES C 320s from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 197 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 109,037 miles.
How does the 2003 MERCEDES C 320 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 MERCEDES C 320 has 109,037 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a MERCEDES C 320?
The most reliable year is the 2007 model with a 82% MOT pass rate, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2003 sits between the two at 78%.
How much does a 2003 MERCEDES C 320 cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
MERCEDES C 320 by Year
Checking a specific MERCEDES C 320?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2003 MERCEDES C 320
The 2003 MERCEDES C 320 is a performance with a 3199cc petrol engine. 197 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 109,037 miles at 21 years old, MERCEDES C 320 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2003 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 2003 MERCEDES C 320?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% 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 2003 MERCEDES C 320
At 21 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%.
Alternatives to the 2003 MERCEDES C 320
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- BMW 3 SERIES (2001) 77% pass rate (-1%) from 9,406 tests
- MERCEDES E (2004) 78% pass rate (same) from 8,333 tests
- PORSCHE BOXSTER (2005) 86% pass rate (+8%) from 6,992 tests
- VOLVO XC90 (2005) 73% pass rate (-5%) from 6,336 tests