Out with the old. In with the new...

[blondebier]

Having recently sold the W124 (am I ever going to stop missing it?), we now own a W168 Manual A160 cdi.

It's Picadilly edition...??? done 38k in Silver. The bodywork is spotless. I'll take some shots when I can and put them in the gallery.

The "diesel-ness" took a little bit of getting used to. I've never owned a diesel before and am amazed at how frugal it is... the fuel consumption is staggering.

First impressions are pretty good. It drives really well. It's wifey's car really and she's happy with it which is the main thing.

It's got a full MB service history and the ASSYST service indicator reckons an A service is due is 12600 miles. It was last done 11 months ago.

Being new to relatively modern MB ownership, ASSYST is all new to me. Is it reliable? Meaning - is it ok to service the car less frequently than once a year? (We'll probably only do 5000 miles a year) I assume the ASSYST takes time into account as well?

I am getting both rear tyres replaced tomorrow as they have really weird wear on them. It's almost like the tyres have been bouncing along on the inner edge. Really bumpy when you rub your fingers over the surface.
Is this anything to be concerned about? (They are the original tyres.)

Cheers,
Blondebier

 

[A210AMG]

Hello

My wife has had her A210 Evo LWB for 3 years its been a great car so far. She can get 44mpg out of that (manual) and regularly over 40mpg.

Its nice being sat a little higher up and it has great space for the actual size of the car.

 

[BlackC55]

The feathering on the rear tyres is fairly normal. I have seen it since the 168 was new. It is just the design of the rear suspension that seems to cause it. They can get noisey too when really bad.

Make sure you give the engine a good thrash as they tend to clog up with soot. The 168 diesel is noisey and moreso than most MB diesels.

 

[blondebier]

The feathering on the rear tyres is fairly normal. I have seen it since the 168 was new. It is just the design of the rear suspension that seems to cause it. They can get noisey too when really bad.

Phew, that's a relief. I was starting to dread shocks or worse... then thought better of it.

I've ordered 2 contis from black circles. 2 of them fitted for £110. Another rather pleasant surprise.

I do like this car!

Make sure you give the engine a good thrash as they tend to clog up with soot. The 168 diesel is noisey and moreso than most MB diesels.

I've heard that an Italian tune up is good for diesels from time to time.

<Diesel virgin hat on>

Is it worth putting in a diesel additive from time to time? Or will the occassional tank of V-power diesel be ok?

</ Diesel virgin hat off>

 

[A210AMG]

I was supprised at the cost of brakes for ours.


Cheaper at the dealers than eurocarparts, Discs (vented and drilled) pads, paste and sensor for the front £115 inc vat

 

[Dieselman]

I've heard that an Italian tune up is good for diesels from time to time.

<Diesel virgin hat on>

Is it worth putting in a diesel additive from time to time? Or will the occassional tank of V-power diesel be ok?

</ Diesel virgin hat off>

If it was mine, I would, but that doesn't mean you have to. Our Vrs responds well to additive, probably due to doing town work mainly.
I've never seen any benefit from V-power.

Defiantly a good caning every now and then, diesel engines don't like to be driven too softly. If it has only been pootling about expect a rather large cloud for a minute or so..

 

[blondebier]

If it was mine, I would, but that doesn't mean you have to. Our Vrs responds well to additive, probably due to doing town work mainly.
I've never seen any benefit from V-power.

Defiantly a good caning every now and then, diesel engines don't like to be driven too softly. If it has only been pootling about expect a rather large cloud for a minute or so..

Thanks Dieselman - what is "Vrs" ?

Any additive do? or is there a brand worth using?

 

[Dieselman]

Thanks Dieselman - what is "Vrs" ?

A rather rapid little diesel hatch....Oh, no it's a Skoa.

I use Millers, because it's a continuous dosage type and it appears to work.

People say this is a subjective thing. Try some and see if there is any difference.
If the Wife drives mainly, add some but don't tell her.

 

[James Rothwell]

Fabia vRS are quite amusing little devices, ever tried a revo'd one?
180bhp+ and torque like 4.0 Jeep and 50mpg. Genius!

 

[Dieselman]

Not tried one, but our resident bag of scum has, I believe..

An ex staff member's Wife, who isn't into cars at all and drives 'rather steadily', bought one and pronounced that 'overtaking's pretty good fun'....

 

[The G.F.P]

you sold a w124!

get in the naughty corner

NOW

 

[fnkhan68]

Im currently driving an A160 CDi auto, just coming up to 5k on the miles, average 31.8mpg, probably worst car i have owned or driven but bought it for the Mrs, now she is begining to dislike it. Will probably sell it soon.

 

[blondebier]

I use Millers, because it's a continuous dosage type and it appears to work.

People say this is a subjective thing. Try some and see if there is any difference.
If the Wife drives mainly, add some but don't tell her.

Thanks - I'll give some a go.

 

[blondebier]

you sold a w124!

get in the naughty corner

NOW

I know. I feel like I've been in the naughty corner ever since. I'm probably going to regret it for quite a long time.

 

[A210AMG]

Im currently driving an A160 CDi auto, just coming up to 5k on the miles, average 31.8mpg, probably worst car i have owned or driven but bought it for the Mrs, now she is begining to dislike it. Will probably sell it soon.

Not sure if your wear lead boots? or the auto must be drinking its fair share.

I guess the 160 with an auto box is a bad combination? given we have never had that out of our 210.

What else don't you like about it? For the money ours has been great, paid little for it, costs little to run, not lost much, rare, loads of space.

 

[wemorgan]

Not sure if your wear lead boots? or the auto must be drinking its fair share.

I'd also wonder what typical journeys the car was doing. Even diesels doing 0 mph stuck in central London traffic offer poor efficiency.

 

[Baron_Samedi]

I personally wouldn't use Millers as it costs about as much as you will save....

I found that the occasional Italian Tune Up was a better way of avoiding smoke and improving overall economy.

 

[Bill_33]

I personally wouldn't use Millers as it costs about as much as you will save....

I found that the occasional Italian Tune Up was a better way of avoiding smoke and improving overall economy.

Millers - I am a convert
Miller plus regular diesel is cheaper than this premium diesel stuff

Recent example

My 2008 SAAB 9 5 Estate 1.9 TiD with 175bhp Hirsch upgrade
Just done 650 miles at an average speed of 67 mph and returned 42.6 mpg - UK to Bordeaux mainly Autoroute......but some A and B roads

Normal diesel with Millers Sport Power Plus 4

I have used Plus 4 now for three fill ups - I have found the following
a). Engine quieter - this is noticeable
b). Torque a lot smoother - more torque
c). Increase in mpg - maybe between 1 and 2mpg

I could use the words "seems" before each of the above but I really do think that it has actually happened. I am not a fan of "snake oil" but I do feel that plus 4 works........and it is not expensive.....use normal grade diesel with plus 4 rather than this hyped up BP Max and all that.

I am a convert - OK..........check your warranty and all that........for no petrol additives

Worth reading some of the reviews of Plus 4 on other Forums

Trundling around keeping to the speed limits I am getting 44 mpg plus and I do not hang around


PS - saw your W124 on EBay
I tried to contact you before you sold it to the guy who advertsied it on EBay - but had no luck - As you can see I bought an E280
Bet you will miss the W124 - I have never been a fan of the A Classe - just never liked them - horrible cars - sorry

 

[Baron_Samedi]

Will agree on smoothness - but no real enhancement for economy or torque.

Bit of a marmite thing to be honest.

 

[Bill_33]

Will agree on smoothness - but no real enhancement for economy or torque.

Bit of a marmite thing to be honest.

Never liked Marmite?..............but I do drive quite a lot and have done so for 42 years - plus I have a number of vehicles of different types

The reduction is noise at lower speeds and creamier torque is noticeable - the SAAB 1.9 TiD, 175bhp GM/Fiat engine has 350NM at 2,500 rpm ish