Segment:
Compact MPV / Hatchback
Uniqueness:
Innovative sandwich floor construction, compact dimensions with surprisingly spacious interior, front-wheel drive in a Mercedes-Benz lineup.
Competitors:
Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, Opel Astra, Renault Mégane.
Design Philosophy:
Safety, practicality, and compact exterior dimensions with maximized interior space.
Innovation:
Sandwich floor design for enhanced safety in frontal impacts and packaging efficiency.
Years Covered:
1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Estimated Page Count:
500-1000+
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Quality:
High-resolution PDF, searchable text, printable pages.
Print Readability:
Designed for clear on-screen viewing and printing of diagrams and text.
Binding:
N/A (PDF Format)
Engine:
Detailed engine diagnostics, repair procedures, timing belt/chain service, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel injection system, exhaust system.
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission repair, clutch replacement, gearbox overhaul, torque converter service, shift linkage adjustments.
Brakes:
ABS system diagnostics and repair, brake pad/rotor replacement, hydraulic system bleeding, parking brake service.
Electrical:
Full wiring diagrams, starter system, charging system, ignition system, lighting, power windows, central locking, climate control electronics, ECU diagnostics.
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension component replacement (shocks, struts, control arms, bushings), steering rack repair, power steering system service, wheel alignment specifications.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, door mechanism servicing, interior trim removal, chassis component lubrication, rust prevention, body sealing.
Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, scheduled maintenance intervals.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (OBD-II where applicable).
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal and installation, rebuild procedures for major assemblies, torque specifications for critical fasteners.
Diagnostics:
Guidance on using diagnostic tools, interpreting sensor data, checking electrical circuits, performing basic and advanced system checks.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical troubleshooting and bodywork.
Engine Type:
Inline-4 Cylinder, Naturally Aspirated
Displacement:
1397 cc (1.4 Liters)
Horsepower:
82 PS (81 bhp / 60 kW) at 5000 rpm
Torque:
130 Nm (96 lb-ft) at 3750 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Unleaded Recommended)
ECU Type:
Bosch Motronic (specific variant varies)
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz Specification Coolant (e.g., G48)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 Liters (with filter)
Oil Specification:
API SL or higher, ACEA A3/B4, MB 229.1 / 229.3 (refer to manual for exact grade)
Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (G260-5)
Type:
5-Speed Automated Manual Transmission (AUTOTRONIC/ASG)
Autotronic Characteristics:
Single-clutch automated manual, can be operated in full automatic mode or manual selection via shift lever. Known for somewhat jerky shifts.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
MB Specification 235.10 or similar GL-4 SAE 75W-80
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
MB Specification 236.10 or similar ATF (Dexron III equivalent)
Euro Ncap Rating:
4 Stars (for early models, later improved)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Esp:
Optional Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags as standard. Optional side airbags.
Body Structure:
Reinforced sandwich floor structure designed to absorb and redirect impact energy.
Seatbelts:
Pretensioners and force limiters for front seat belts.
Head Unit Options:
Various Mercedes-Benz Audio systems with CD/Cassette players, optional navigation systems (APS series).
Speaker System:
Standard 4-speaker system, optional upgraded systems with more speakers.
Cruise Control:
Optional cruise control system.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking sensors (Parktronic system).
Auxiliary Input:
Rarely standard, often requires aftermarket modification or specific dealer-fit options.
System:
Manual air conditioning standard, optional automatic climate control (THERMATIC).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first (under normal conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 km or 24 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 km (standard spark plugs) or 100,000 km (long-life spark plugs, depending on variant).
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years.
Coolant Change:
Every 5 years or 100,000 km.
Power Steering Fluid:
MB Specification 236.3 or Pentosin CHF 11 S (verify in manual)
Autotronic Transmission:
Jerky shifts, actuator issues, clutch wear.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, premature strut failure, ball joint wear.
Electrical:
Corroded wiring harnesses (especially in early models), failure of window regulators, HVAC blower resistor issues.
Rust:
Can be susceptible to rust in common areas like wheel arches, sills, and around the rear hatch, particularly in regions with salt exposure.
Engine:
Minor oil leaks from valve cover gasket, occasional ECU failures.
Marque:
Mercedes-Benz, known for luxury, engineering, and safety.
Facelift Year:
2001 (W168.2 facelift with updated styling, engines, and features)
Manufacturing Plant:
Hambach, France (Smartville)
Production Duration:
1997-2004
Total Units Produced:
Over 1 million units
Design Award:
The W168 A-Class received accolades for its innovative design and packaging, including the 'Design Innovation' award in some markets.
Safety Recognition:
Positive safety ratings from Euro NCAP, highlighting its unique safety cell and crash structure.
Quality Standard:
Manufactured to Mercedes-Benz's high quality and engineering standards.
