MERCEDES ML300 (2010)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 30 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,895
£158/month
MOT Pass Rate
90%
Excellent
Road Tax
£395
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 30-42
2987cc Diesel
Great Choice
90% pass rate, £1895/year to run. 8 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Based on 2987cc
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the national average of 82%.
At 16 years old, 90% of MERCEDES ML300s from 2010 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 30 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 119,114 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
119,114
Average miles
118,400
Expected for age
The average 2010 MERCEDES ML300 has 119,114 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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About the 2010 MERCEDES ML300
The 2010 MERCEDES ML300 is a large car with a 2987cc diesel engine. 30 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 13% of all 2010 cars for reliability.
With an average of 119,114 miles at 16 years old, MERCEDES ML300 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2010 MERCEDES ML300 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 £1,245 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 2010 MERCEDES ML300?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,895 (£158/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 90% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Buying a Used 2010 MERCEDES ML300
At 16 years old, the MERCEDES ML300 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 30 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2010 MERCEDES ML300's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith an average of 119k 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 riskHigh-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 riskAlways 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 2010 MERCEDES ML300 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MERCEDES ML300(2010) | 90% | £1245 | £395 | Grp 30-42 | £1895 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2008) | 80% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £1900+£5 |
| AUDI A4(2011) | 82% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £1900+£5 |
| AUDI A5(2010) | 82% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £1900+£5 |
| JAGUAR XF(2012) | 82% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £1900+£5 |
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
Explore other Mercedes cars or similar models in the same category.
MERCEDES A
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MERCEDES C
2017 · 1991cc Hybrid
MERCEDES A-CLASS
2017 · 1461cc Diesel
BMW 3 SERIES
2008 · 2926cc Diesel
AUDI A4
2011 · 2967cc Diesel
AUDI A5
2010 · 2967cc Diesel
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