Mercedes-Benz W176

The choice of the Mercedes A-Class is connected with the question: will this car be expensive and troublesome to maintain? The doubts are justified, given that the previous generation A-Class was expensive to repair. The manufacturer has done something to simplify the car. This means you won’t find a sandwich with an engine and a box under the body – a hallmark of the first two generations of the A-Class. Now the motor is mounted in front transversely under the usual hood, which provides much better access than before. This means reducing repair and maintenance costs. The W176 was usually offered with front-wheel drive, but some versions received a 4Matic all-wheel drive system. The third generation of the small Mercedes has grown so much that it has moved from the B segment to the C segment. To be sure, the fact that the smallest Mercedes in 2012 went from an unusual little van to a classic compact makes a difference. But we should not forget what the car looks like. The designers have managed to create a fashionable car that can still be enjoyed. The next generation W177, which debuted in 2018, fully followed the style set by the W176. The A-Class W176 has only one body – a 5-door hatchback. On its basis, the manufacturer built several other models, very similar in design - sedan and station wagon (CLA), as well as the GLA crossover. Unfortunately, the interesting design, with a relatively low-drawn roofline, has its limitations. The first is a poor view, especially back. The second is a small amount of space for passengers on the sofa – both above the head and at the knee level. The third one is a small trunk (from 341 to 1157 liters) with a not too wide loading opening.

Walking

According to the owners of the Mercedes A-Class has too rigid suspension. Obviously, the manufacturer had ambitions to compete with the BMW 1 Series, not with the typical representatives of its segment. However, the durability of the components of the running is good.

The front suspension has a good strength. The rear suspension is a little more expensive to repair, but the same is quite durable.

Individual cars have overcome the mark of 200,000 km without interference with the chassis. The only thing that causes criticism is periodic creaks, observed primarily in samples of the initial production period. Fortunately, the disease was corrected under warranty.

Characteristic problems and malfunctions

Some of the cars visited the official service station to replace the front airbags and windshield, which could get into the cabin in the event of an accident and prevent the opening of the airbags. There were also problems with the vacuum hose in the brake system - there was a risk of losing support from the brake booster. There were also minor corrections that affected the tablet and the starter (the risk of overheating). However, serious improvements for a radically new model were not needed much. According to mechanics from unofficial services specializing in repairing Mercedes, typical problems W176 not so much. A good opinion is confirmed by the owners themselves, who mostly point to minor malfunctions. Good finishing materials are good at carrying long distances. It should be remembered that the A-Class, as befits a modern car, needs appropriate diagnostic equipment. Many simple operations cannot be performed without the use of the original Mercedes diagnostic computer. And the annual subscription to the latest software for ordinary services is unprofitable. Meanwhile, even simple things like replacing the rear brake pads require a connection to a computer. In this regard, owners note quite high maintenance costs, especially in dealer services. Mercedes-Benz electricians note that the A-Class, depending on the version, can have between 70 and 80 electronic units responsible for various functions. Oddly enough, they work stably.

Engines and transmission

The 1.5-liter OM607 turbodiesel is identical to the French K9K (1.5 dCi), which has been improved. It can be found in cars with the designation 160 CDI, A160 d and A 180 d. According to the mechanics, he has no problems with the liners. Nor does the 1.8-liter diesel used in the A 180 CDI and A 200 CDI deliver problems.

Only the diesel 2.1 in the A 200 d, A220 CDI and A 220 d sometimes brings a surprise in the form of stretching the chain of the timing. The cost of replacing it is high because the chain is on the side of the gearbox. And to access it, you need to remove the power unit.

Among the typical problems of turbodiesels mentioned soot-filled particulate filter and faulty fuel injectors.

Good reviews are collected gasoline engines with a volume of 1.6 and 2.0 liters of conventional versions (both with turbocharging). The loaded engines of the top-end A45AMGs are more expensive to troubleshoot, which are mainly due to improper maintenance and operation.

Carefully approach the selection of instances equipped with an automated transmission with a dual clutch 7G-DCT. After 150-200 thousand km, expensive repairs may be required. For example, the replacement of the mechatronic and the clutch block.

Mercedes A 45 AMG

The top version of the A-class is driven by a 2-liter turbo engine developing 360 or 381 hp. The dual-clutch transmission has been reinforced and the traction is transmitted to all wheels. Accelerating to a “hundred” of 4.6 or 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 270 km/h (with the limiter disabled) are impressive, as are spare parts prices. The turbocharger costs about 140,000 rubles, and its life expectancy is not the highest. It is very expensive to repair the rear differential and the automated dual clutch gearbox.

Mercedes CLA

Based on the third A-Class, the CLA (C117) model was created and introduced in 2013. The version in the body of the station wagon, or as it is called by Mercedes – Shooting Brake (X117), appeared in 2014. The engines of both versions are almost the same as in the A-class: 1.6 / 102 hp, 1.5 d / 90 hp and 1.8 d / 180 hp.

Mercedes GLA

The GLA (X156) crossover, offered since 2014, is technically very close to the A/W176. It can be both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

Walking

• The rear suspension is a little more expensive to repair, but the same is quite durable.

Characteristic problems and malfunctions

• There were also problems with the vacuum hose in the brake system - there was a risk of losing support from the brake booster.
• According to mechanics from unofficial services specializing in repairing Mercedes, typical problems W176 not so much.
• A good opinion is confirmed by the owners themselves, who mostly point to minor malfunctions.
• It should be remembered that the A-Class, as befits a modern car, needs appropriate diagnostic equipment.
• Meanwhile, even simple things like replacing the rear brake pads require a connection to a computer.
• Mercedes-Benz electricians note that the A-Class, depending on the version, can have between 70 and 80 electronic units responsible for various functions. Oddly enough, they work stably.
• Problems with them often arise when the car hastily restored after a serious accident, and instead of the damaged unit installed used blocks from other cars without full adaptation.
• It’s not about bad repairs after a car accident.

Engines and transmission

• According to the mechanics, he has no problems with the liners.
• Nor does the 1.8-liter diesel used in the A 180 CDI and A 200 CDI deliver problems.
• And to access it, you need to remove the power unit.
• Among the typical problems of turbodiesels mentioned soot-filled particulate filter and faulty fuel injectors.
• The loaded engines of the top-end A45AMGs are more expensive to troubleshoot, which are mainly due to improper maintenance and operation.
• The mile may require expensive repairs.
• For example, the replacement of the mechatronic and the clutch block.

Mercedes A 45 AMG

• It is very expensive to repair the rear differential and the automated dual clutch gearbox.

The changes in concept benefited the A-Class. The car turned out to be an attractive and interesting market. In terms of durability, the small Mercedes also collects quite high marks. However, before buying, you should check the mileage and history of repair work. The concern is advanced electronics, so it is better that no one climbed there.

• Driving: The rear suspension is a little more expensive to repair, but the same is quite durable.
• Characteristic problems and malfunctions: There were also problems with the vacuum hose in the brake system - there was a risk of losing support from the brake booster.
• Engines and transmission: According to mechanics, it has no problems with the liners.

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