Mercedes-Benz W169

When there is no time at all, but you need to have a snack, a sandwich of two pieces of toast with tomato, cheese and ham between them is saved. What does this have to do with the second generation Mercedes A-Class (W169), produced from 2004 to 2012? It's the most direct.

Review

When there is no time at all, but you need to have a snack, a sandwich of two pieces of toast with tomato, cheese and ham between them is saved. What does this have to do with the second generation Mercedes A-Class (W169), produced from 2004 to 2012? It's the most direct. The A-Class, like the sandwich, has a double bottom. This scheme is called a sandwich design, where the engine and gearbox are partially located under the car, and passengers sit almost above them. This allows for more rational use of the interior space. As a result, the owner has a flat floor of the trunk, plenty of space for all passengers and a high landing. In addition, you can change the size of the luggage compartment, thanks to the easy and fast transformation of the rear seat, which is completely removed if necessary. For an additional fee, the front passenger seat was installed, which could also be transformed and completely removed from the cabin. The Mercedes A-Class is the only car in its segment that could actually be turned into a light truck. In other words, the “layered construction” is another advantage, forming a clearly structured and practical body with good visibility. With a vertical landing, the 3.88-meter car has enough space for all passengers. The W 176’s “short-cut” receiver is no match: it lacks practicality. Benz’s “old baby” is not a stylish product of marketing, but a faithful friend who does not graze before a real job. There is no need to study the manual for the management of in-cab equipment.

Walking

In motion, little Benz makes a solid impression. The suspension of the Mercedes A-Class is dense and comfortable, but due to the high center of gravity, the body is strongly tilted in corners and nods on large irregularities. The chassis does not withstand long-term operation on Russian roads. The steering tips, ball and Silent blocks of the front levers wear out quickly. The latter can be replaced separately from the levers, which reduces the cost of repairs. Sometimes the electric power steering fails to obey, but the steering sensor is to blame.

Engines

All the Mercedes A-Class engines are reliable. Diesel engines with a capacity of 82 to 140 hp are economical. Since July 2005, they have been equipped with a particulate filter.

In Europe, the most popular 109-horsepower diesel A 180 CDI, content with only 5-6 liters of diesel. This engine works very noisy, but relatively hardy. Sometimes there are problems with the nozzles.

After 100-150 thousand km in cars with diesel units may need to replace the two-mass flywheel and clutch. When buying, it is necessary to check the condition of the polyclin belt drive auxiliary equipment. It costs a lot to replace.

Mercedes A-class gasoline engines with a capacity of 95 to 135 hp consume much more fuel, but work much quieter than diesel counterparts. The least popular 193-horsepower top model A 200 Turbo. The traction force of the engine at the limit uses the capabilities of the front-wheel drive circuit, and the average fuel consumption lies in the range of 12-13 liters. Due to low demand, Mercedes stopped producing a powerful modification in 2010. The same fate befell the shapeless, infamous three-door version.

Transmission

Not won universal love and the continuously variable automatic transmission Autotronic, which often required expensive repairs. More often, problems appeared due to a defective control unit (1600 euros). Regular change of transmission oil every 60,000 km is vital for Autotronic. The manual transmission is considered reliable.

Characteristic problems and malfunctions

Mercedes A-Class owners don’t often complain about the whims of electricians. But there are problems with the work of indicators on the dashboard, electric windows or multimedia system. Very annoying burnout light bulbs in the headlights due to the difficult access to them.

Overall, the second generation of the Mercedes A-Class in terms of reliability, according to TUV, shows above average results. The disadvantages include fast-wearing brake discs and corrosion in the lower part of the edges of the doors and trunk lid. Many cars affected by rust were repaired at the expense of the manufacturer.

Under the fairing, located under the bottom, hides the cavity of the sandwich. Its inspection will allow to reliably assess the condition of the body. The predecessor, W 168, willingly “diluted” rust there.

On the roof with a glass hatch, the type of blinds often wedges the joints of the first lamellae. Regular lubrication of the mechanism is required.

Service promotions

The Mercedes A-Class has been the subject of several service promotions.

The first was announced in late 2005, due to the possibility of windshield wipers breaking.

Two more campaigns were launched in the fall of 2008. First, they reacted to the possibility of breaking the seat belt lock, and later to problems with the software of the engine control unit.

Two years later, in the autumn of 2010, the Mercedes A-class was liquidating possible fuel leaks. If necessary, the entire fuel tank was changed.

In the spring of 2012, a continuously variable transmission was checked during scheduled maintenance.

Review

• In addition, you can change the size of the luggage compartment, thanks to the easy and fast transformation of the rear seat, which is completely removed if necessary.
• There is no need to study the manual for the management of in-cab equipment.

Walking

• The latter can be replaced separately from the levers, which reduces the cost of repairs.
• Sometimes the electric power steering fails to obey, but the steering sensor is to blame.

Engines

• Sometimes there are problems with the nozzles.
• In cars with diesel units, you may need to replace the two-mass flywheel and clutch.
• When buying, it is necessary to check the condition of the polyclin belt drive auxiliary equipment. It costs a lot to replace.

Transmission

• Not won universal love and the continuously variable automatic transmission Autotronic, which often required expensive repairs.
• More often, problems appeared due to a defective control unit (1600 euros).

Characteristic problems and malfunctions

• But there are problems with the work of indicators on the dashboard, electric windows or multimedia system.
• The disadvantages include fast-wearing brake discs and corrosion in the lower part of the edges of the doors and trunk lid.
• Many cars affected by rust were repaired at the expense of the manufacturer.
• Its inspection will allow to reliably assess the condition of the body.
• The predecessor, W 168, willingly “diluted” rust there.

Service promotions

• First, they reacted to the possibility of breaking the seat belt lock, and later to problems with the software of the engine control unit.
• If necessary, the entire fuel tank was changed.
• In the spring of 2012, a continuously variable transmission was checked during scheduled maintenance.

The Mercedes A-Class is a car for those looking for a small car with a high level of safety and the possibility of interior transformation. The main thing is to detect and eliminate corrosion on the doors or trunk lid in a timely manner.

• When there is no time at all, but you need to have a snack, a sandwich of two pieces of toast with tomato, cheese and ham between them will help.
• Driving: The latter can be replaced separately from the levers, which reduces repair costs.
• Engines: Sometimes there are problems with nozzles. After 100,000 to 150,000.
• Transmission: Not universally loved and the continuously variable automatic transmission Autotronic, which often required expensive repairs.
• Characteristic problems and malfunctions: But there are problems with the operation of indicators on the dashboard, electric windows or multimedia system.
• Service promotions: First, they reacted to the possibility of breaking the seat belt lock, and later to problems with the software of the engine control unit.

Shows, bargaining and re-registration take time: buyers look, promise to think and disappear. Fair price after inspection closes the auction on the spot. If money is needed urgently, the purchase takes away waiting and repeat displays.

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