Vehicle Segment:
Compact/Subcompact Hatchback
Key Competitors Era:
Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, Opel Astra, Renault Mégane
Unique Selling Proposition:
Innovative 'sandwich' floor design for enhanced safety and interior packaging, front-wheel drive in a segment often dominated by rear-wheel drive.
Manual Advantage:
Enables DIY repairs, saving significant costs on dealership service bills.
Primary Coverage:
All Models/Engines/Trim/Transmissions Types for Mercedes-Benz W168 A-Class
Specific Years Covered:
1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Estimated Page Count:
Hundreds of pages (exact count not specified, but described as comprehensive)
Type:
Workshop Repair Service Manual
Delivery Method:
Instant Download
Engine Service Repair:
Yes
Transmission Service Repair:
Yes
Periodic Lubrication:
Yes
Fuel Injection Fuel System:
Yes
Heater Air Conditioning:
Yes
Engine Control System:
Yes
Repair Procedures:
Detailed substeps, numbered instructions, expanded on repair information
Diagnostic Procedures:
Comprehensive diagnostic information, combined with electrical service procedures
Disassembly Assembly:
Yes
Cleaning Reinstalling:
Yes
Depth Level:
Professional technician level, covering diagnostics, repair, and maintenance
Illustrations Diagrams:
Hundreds of pages of detailed diagrams, drawings, photos, and enlarged insets for parts identification
Critical Information:
Includes notes, cautions, and warnings to pinpoint critical information
Engine Options:
Inline 4-cylinder (petrol and diesel variants available in the W168 generation, specific engine codes not detailed in product info)
Typical Power Output:
Ranges from approximately 60 hp to 140 hp depending on specific engine variant (e.g., A140, A160, A170 CDI, A190, A210 Evolution)
Fuel Delivery:
Fuel Injection (specific system details covered in manual)
Engine Placement:
Transverse
Drive Type:
Front-Wheel Drive
Euro Ncap Rating:
Achieved a 4-star Euro NCAP rating (noteworthy for its time and class, particularly due to the sandwich construction)
Active Safety Systems:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP (Electronic Stability Program) with ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation) became available on later models and as an option.
Passive Safety Systems:
Advanced 'Sandwich' floor structure designed to slide under another vehicle in a severe frontal impact, front airbags, side airbags, seatbelt pretensioners.
Audio System:
Factory fitted radio/cassette or CD player, with options for upgraded sound systems and CD changers.
Stability Control:
Optional ESP (Electronic Stability Program) available on most models, especially post-facelift.
Connectivity Features:
Pre-wiring for telephone and CD changer, manual and optional automatic climate control systems.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 15,000 km or 1 year, whichever comes first (refer to specific service schedule in manual for exact intervals based on model and driving conditions).
Major Service Interval:
Refer to the manual for detailed service schedules covering items like spark plugs, brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid replacement.
Engine Oil Specification:
Requires Mercedes-Benz approved engine oils meeting specific specifications (e.g., MB 229.1, MB 229.3, or MB 229.5 depending on engine and year - consult manual for precise recommendations).
Coolant Specification:
Mercedes-Benz approved coolant concentrate (e.g., G48 or similar, mixed with distilled water in a 50/50 ratio).
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 brake fluid is typically specified.
Transmission Fluid:
Specific ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) for AUTOTRONIC CVT, and appropriate gear oil for manual transmissions. Refer to manual for exact specifications and capacities.
Common Wear Items:
Ignition coils, spark plugs, suspension components (bushings, ball joints), exhaust system components, rear wheel bearings, door lock actuators, and occasional issues with the AUTOTRONIC transmission.
Rust Prone Areas:
Check wheel arches, sills, and floor pans, especially in regions with road salt.
Parent Company:
Daimler-Benz AG (now Daimler AG)
Design Concept:
Compact MPV-like practicality within a smaller footprint, pioneering the 'sandwich' floor concept for safety and interior space.
Facelift:
Facelifted model introduced in 2001 with revised styling, improved interior, and updated engines.
Manufacturing Location:
Rastatt, Germany, and other Daimler-Benz assembly plants.
Production Years:
1997-2004
