A-Class. When did they stop making CVTs?

[AMG J]

My wife has an A-Class (180 CDI Avantgarde) with a CVT automatic transmission. The transmission is absolutely awful but the rest of the car fantastic.

The gearbox is so unbearable I'd like to get her another A-Class but with a normal automatic gearbox, ie not the CVT.

Does anyone know what year Mercedes stopped producing the CVT and went back to the normal automatic gearbox?

When I know this I can go car shopping with confidence!

Thanks all.

 

[Deleted member 65149]

The easy answer is that it was when they finally realised how rubbish the CVT was! The CVT was an option on the C-Class for many years, but I think it was the only auto available. They did have an awful clutchless system for many years that tried to be the best of both worlds- but it turned out to be the worst. The latest (third generation) A-Class just released has DCT (Double Clutch Transmission) that sounds good from all you read about it, but only time will tell if it's more reliable than the CVT. I don't think they ever went through a period of a normal auto box.

 

[grober]

It was only the first generation A class that had a conventional torque converter box-- or automated clutch system --- or a conventional manual IRRC. Conventional torque converter boxes are rapidly becoming a thing of the past- more's the pity. Your wife's best bet is probably the Japanese or Korean manufacturers if she wants an old fashioned auto.

 

[grumpyoldgit]

I could be wrong and I'm sure someone will correct me if I am, but having read the following article on Wikipedia, it looks to me as though the CVT is the only option for automatic gearbox in the A Class (2004 - 2012). Two manual boxes are also available.
I also don't know how accurate the article is, but take a look yourself and see if you agree with my understanding of it.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[grober]

I could be wrong and I'm sure someone will correct me if I am, but having read the following article on Wikipedia, it looks to me as though the CVT is the only option for automatic gearbox in the A Class. Two manual boxes are also available.
I also don't know how accurate the article is, but take a look yourself and see if you agree with my understanding of it.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Unfortunately there is no mention of the type of gearboxes fitted to the first generation W168 A CLASS in that article unless I missed it. The W169 had only a CVT autobox as you said. Confusion between the first and second generation transmissions may be the OP's problem.

 

[AMG J]

Thanks all. It's a second gen A-class, so sounds like there aren't any options in the A-Class family except seeing if the dear wife will go back to a manual. Unless the B-class uses a regular auto? That could be an option.

 

[grumpyoldgit]

Same option on the B Class up until 2011 I'm afraid. How about an M Class, or is that too big for SWMBO?

Mercedes-Benz B-Class - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

grober, I agree with your comment, I couldn't see any reference to the earlier models either.

 

[peapod]

my dear wife has an 60 plate a180cdi cvt and loves it. I am fearful about the gearbox giving problems but at 25k so far so good. I have been concerned about low frequency rumble of it and am contemplating continueing the MB service contract and buying an extended warranty. Should I be worried?? I prefer my 300TD auto but for short journeys the A class is ok Not looking forward to changing the glow plugs. Any comments about gearbox integrity. Has anyone had a gearbox oil tested for metal content ?

 

[WG M-B]

my dear wife has an 60 plate a180cdi cvt and loves it. I am fearful about the gearbox giving problems but at 25k so far so good. I have been concerned about low frequency rumble of it and am contemplating continueing the MB service contract and buying an extended warranty. Should I be worried?? I prefer my 300TD auto but for short journeys the A class is ok Not looking forward to changing the glow plugs. Any comments about gearbox integrity. Has anyone had a gearbox oil tested for metal content ?

I personally have not come across an A or B class later than 2007 with any issues from a cvt transmission. But maybe that's because generally they do not cover a great deal of miles.
I personally am not a fan of the way they drive, but everyone to their own. In general they are great cars, and give few problems.