A-class (W168) - gearbox options

[Koolvin]

If you are buying a W168 go for the facelifted LWB version as MB made - it is a very veritile car , quick release seats, multiple seating arrangments, lots of boot space etc etc.

The large facelift in March 2001 brought a Total of 980 parts changes/modifications.

This site is excellent souce of information elchfans.de

 

[grober]

In addition to adding stability control and and wider tyres Mercedes panicked a bit, abandoned all their careful suspension development work, and lowered and firmed up the suspension ruining the ride in the process. The early semi auto is as you surmise an automated clutch plus normal gearbox- can be problematic- the manual boxes are your best bet as has been said. Sorry to say this you are better off with a Focus- just watch the much vaunted rear blade suspension- can be quite expensive to sort when it wears out and it does eventually - but not mercedes prices to replace obviously.

Audi A2's aluminium body expensive to get repaired--check insurance quote + very poor access to the OILY BITS also. http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/index.htm?md=15

 

[KNU7S]

As much as I like MB's, the first A Class was a bit of a dog - you might be better of with a Focus or similar.

Don't know of any other 168 owners on here.....

IM ONE!!! ..... just kidding

Ours is a A160 with semi auto box

Its the wifes car for the school run and shopping and it is spot on for that but if you do more than that its not brilliant, it will criuse up and down the motorway and i hate to admit it a focus would be better.

 

[KNU7S]

Interiors on the 168 are drab and of poor quality.

For anyone going from a C or E to an A Class, especially the 168, you will be disappointed with the lack of toys. our 169 was an ex-demonstrator with all but the most expensive toys installed - it has A/C, parktronic, cruise - I think you will have trouble finding these on a 168 in your price bracket!

Sorry to quote you again, not having a go, Our 168 is fully loaded with Brick red leather, full electrics, air con, full length sunroof and much more, our car is probably worth £2500 at the moment with 80,000 miles and FSH.

 

[KNU7S]

If you are buying a W168 go for the facelifted LWB version as MB made - it is a very veritile car , quick release seats, multiple seating arrangments, lots of boot space etc etc.

The large facelift in March 2001 brought a Total of 980 parts changes/modifications.

This site is excellent souce of information elchfans.de

I agree if you do get one get a later one, they are better to drive

 

[Koolvin]

If you are buying a W168 go for the facelifted LWB version as MB made - it is a very veritile car , quick release seats, multiple seating arrangments, lots of boot space etc etc.

The large facelift in March 2001 brought a Total of 980 parts changes/modifications.

This site is excellent souce of information elchfans.de

Forgot to add make sure it's a manual box.

 

[KNU7S]

Forgot to add make sure it's a manual box.

We have the semi auto which is great, but i have heard some really terrable things about them when they go wrong!

 

[wemorgan]

We have the semi auto which is great, but i have heard some really terrable things about them when they go wrong!

Does yours have a standard auto style gear stick; P,R,N,D or is it a manual H-configuration stick with 1,2,3,4,5?

 

[KNU7S]

Normal manual stick all you do is lift off the throttle anc change gear normally your just not using the clutch, really easy to drive in and around town

 

[wemorgan]

Normal manual stick all you do is lift off the throttle anc change gear normally your just not using the clutch, really easy to drive in and around town

So what happens when you stop in gear......I presume the clutch automatically engages to prevent staling.........or do you need to put it into neutral?

 

[KNU7S]

Yes it automatcally enganges

 

[timskemp]

I had a V reg 170Cdi with the proper auto - bought it with 30k miles on and stuck 30k on in a year, traded it in against my current car for about the same as I paid for it.

Steering columns seem to be a weak point, warranty paid for it (bought from main dealer), and they suffer leaky CDI injectors that are an **** to remove but I'm told lots of mercs do that.

 

[pookiebear]

My wife hass a W168 A 160 automatic (tiptronic)'99 model. We bought it 2nd hand wiht 70000km 5 years ago. The vehicle has just done 155000km. I have serviced this myself form day 1 , change oil and filter every 10000km, and plugs every 30000km. Only issues have been reverse gear sometimes slips (We live with it as it thunks into gear if you rev it), been like this for 50000km and quite frankly due to cost will wait until it blows up. the other point is a thunk in rear suspension that has shown up in last 2 years, hasnt affected handling, only appears in reversing down my driveway over hump.
Good points
1 Fuel consumption excellent 14/16km litre providing you use 98 RON petrol, use 91 RON drops to 12km litre
2. Space inside
3. Have only just changed set of tyres (80000km) Conti's Now gone the budget route, Some Korean make, little noisier but ok in wet and handling.
High driving position
4 Quick around town and easy to park

Would I buy anioither one, Hell yes, a great little car

 

[Anil]

We have an A140 ACS as the wife's car. It only covers around 4000 miles a year, and it is great as a small town car. Very versatile seating - I've had a single bed mattress in it (on its side).
We've owned it for around six years, without any major problems.
It had a broken spring on the rear last, but apart from that, it has been problem free. MB 'A' service was £120ish, where the local indi was quoting £145+VAT!
The interior does feel cheap compared to the C Class, but it is a completely different class of car.
The semi-auto has been trouble free. Initially felt strange coming to stop in whichever gear you are in, but it is easy to drive.

Ours is an early one (1999) and will soon be up for sale as the wife wants something slightly bigger.

Go for a facelift model as the interior's look and feel is much better. The LWB version has LOADS of space in the rear but you'll be paying around £3.5k for one of those at the moment.

 

[A210AMG]

Hello

I rarely use the wifes but just back from using it today and 140mile round trip, very comfy. Fits loads of stuff in and very good on fuel (the needle hardly moved)

I do miss cruise though and forget to change gear or put foot on clutch as we stop...

Nice little car though