🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

A-Class

Generation Code:

W168

Model Year:

2005

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact hatchback, premium entry-level segment

Competitors:

Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, Opel/Vauxhall Astra, Honda Civic, BMW 1 Series (later generations)

Design Philosophy:

Sandwich floor concept for safety and interior space, front-wheel drive (unique for Mercedes at the time), compact dimensions.

Target Audience:

Younger buyers, urban dwellers, those seeking a premium compact car experience.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

All models, all repairs A-Z

Page Count:

N/A (Digital format likely)

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English (Assumed, based on typical product offerings)

Format:

Digital (Likely PDF or similar, common for aftermarket manuals)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanics:

Complete diagnosis, repair, and overhaul procedures for all gasoline and diesel engines offered in the W168 A-Class for the 2005 model year, including timing belt/chain, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, lubrication, and cooling systems.

Fuel And Emissions:

Fuel injection systems (MPI, CDI), fuel pumps, injectors, emission control systems (catalytic converter, O2 sensors, EGR), evaporative emission control (EVAP).

Transmission:

Manual transmission overhaul and repair, automatic transmission (e.g., Soft-Touch automatic) diagnosis, fluid changes, and common repair procedures. Clutch replacement, driveshafts, and CV joints.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, McPherson struts, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, anti-roll bars, wheel bearings, steering knuckle.

Steering:

Power steering system diagnosis and repair, steering rack, steering column, tie rods, power steering pump.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (discs and drums), hydraulic system diagnosis, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components and troubleshooting, brake pads, rotors, calipers, master cylinder, brake fluid specifications.

Electrical:

Complete wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, fuse box layouts, relay identification, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, central locking, wiper systems.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis, refrigerant charging, compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, climate control modules.

Body:

Body panel repair, door mechanisms, tailgate, bumpers, interior trim removal and installation, seat adjustments, glass replacement.

Diagnostics:

OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting common symptoms and causes, using diagnostic scan tools.

Maintenance Schedules:

Detailed scheduled maintenance recommendations by mileage or time intervals, including oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, and component inspections.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Systematic troubleshooting procedures for a wide range of common and uncommon issues, with flowcharts and symptom-based diagnostics.

Repair Instructions:

Step-by-step repair instructions with torque specifications, special tool requirements, and detailed diagrams for almost every component of the vehicle.

Rebuilds:

Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures, including disassembly, cleaning, inspection, and reassembly with critical tolerances.

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic fluid changes to complete engine/transmission overhauls, advanced electrical diagnostics, and bodywork.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Likely PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution for clear diagrams and text

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Codes Common:

M166 series (e.g., M166.940), OM668 series diesel (e.g., OM668.940)

Displacement Gasoline:

1.4L (1397cc), 1.6L (1598cc), 1.9L (1897cc), 2.0L (1998cc)

Displacement Diesel:

1.7L (1689cc), 2.1L (2148cc) CDI

Horsepower Range:

75 HP (A140) to 136 HP (A200 / A210 Evolution)

Torque Range:

130 Nm (A140) to 220 Nm (A210 Evolution)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) for gasoline, Common Rail Direct Injection (CDI) for diesel.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (RON 91/95/98), Diesel fuel

Emission Standard:

Euro 3 / Euro 4 (depending on engine and specific market regulations)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-speed manual transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

5-speed automated manual (Soft-Touch automatic transmission)

Drive Type:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 3626 - 3776 mm (depending on body style and bumper variations)

Width:

Approx. 1719 mm

Height:

Approx. 1593 mm

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2373 mm

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1160 - 1350 kg (depending on engine and equipment)

🛡️ Safety Features

Euro Ncap Rating:

4 stars (Achieved for the W168 generation, highlighting the effectiveness of the sandwich floor concept)

ABS:

Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)

Esp:

Optional or standard on higher trims (Electronic Stability Program)

Airbags:

Driver, passenger, side airbags, optional front and rear head airbags.

Seatbelts:

Pretensioner, force limiter

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted radio/cassette or CD player with optional amplifier and speaker upgrades. Basic infotainment features for the era.

Stability Control:

ESP (Electronic Stability Program) often available as an option.

Auxiliary Input:

Limited or no standard auxiliary input; aftermarket solutions may be available.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions and engine oil type (refer to specific model year recommendations).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Varies by engine type, typically 40,000-60,000 miles for standard plugs, and up to 100,000 miles for long-life iridium plugs.

Engine Oil Specification:

MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 compliant synthetic engine oil, viscosity typically 0W-40, 5W-40, or 5W-30 depending on temperature and engine variant.

Coolant Specification:

MB-Approval 325.0 or 326.0 (Glysantin G05 or similar silicate-free OAT coolant), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 4

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 rated manual transmission fluid (e.g., Castrol Syntrans B 75W-80 or equivalent)

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

MB 236.20 compliant automatic transmission fluid (ATF) for the Soft-Touch transmission.

Common Faults Electronics:

Early models could experience issues with the SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) or instrument cluster. Check engine lights related to emissions sensors or ignition coils.

Common Faults Mechanical:

Wear of suspension bushings, particularly control arm bushings. Potential for clutch wear on manual transmissions with high mileage. Diesel engines (OM668) can be prone to turbocharger issues if not maintained.

Common Faults HVAC:

HVAC blower motor resistor failures leading to intermittent fan operation.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Mercedes-Benz, a globally recognized luxury automotive manufacturer with a long history of engineering excellence and innovation.

Generation:

W168 (First generation A-Class), launched in 1997. The 2005 model is part of the facelifted version (model year 2001 onwards) which introduced styling updates and improved equipment.

Production Period:

1997-2004 (for the initial W168), followed by the W169 generation. The 2005 model year falls at the tail end of the W168's production run.

Assembly Locations:

Rastatt, Germany; Beijing, China (for the Chinese market)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Award:

4-star Euro NCAP rating, signifying strong passive safety features due to the unique sandwich design.