🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

A-Class

Chassis Code:

W168

Model Variants Covered:

A160, A160 CDI

Engine Code A160 Petrol:

M166.940

Engine Code A160 Cdi:

OM668.911

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact hatchback, premium segment (Mercedes-Benz's entry-level offering).

Competitors:

Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, BMW 1 Series (later generations), Audi A3.

Platform Innovation:

Sandwich floor concept for improved safety and packaging.

Design Philosophy:

Compact exterior with surprisingly spacious interior, focusing on safety and functionality.

📋 Manual Details

Years Covered:

1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, transmission, clutch, exhaust, fuel system, cooling system

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brakes (front and rear, ABS), wheels and tires

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, central locking, comfort modules, engine control unit (ECU), body control module (BCM)

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, HVAC system

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement

Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:

Fault code diagnosis, symptom-based troubleshooting, repair procedures for common malfunctions

Repair And Overhaul:

Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair

Specifications And Data:

Torque specifications, fluid capacities, tolerances, diagnostic values

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Quality:

High-resolution, searchable text, printable pages

Print Quality Digital:

Excellent for digital viewing and printing of specific sections.

Binding Digital:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type Digital:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol

Displacement:

1.6 Liters (1598 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

83.0 mm x 73.7 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Horsepower:

102 PS (101 bhp; 75 kW) at 5500 rpm

Torque:

150 Nm (111 lb-ft) at 4000 rpm

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, turbocharged diesel

Displacement:

1.7 Liters (1689 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

83.0 mm x 78.5 mm

Compression Ratio:

18.0:1

Horsepower:

75 PS (74 bhp; 55 kW) at 4400 rpm

Torque:

160 Nm (118 lb-ft) at 1800 rpm

A160 Petrol Injection:

Bosch Motronic ME2.1 (Electronic Fuel Injection)

A160 Cdi Injection:

Bosch VP44 Rotary Injection Pump (Common Rail precursor)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type A160:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type A160Cdi:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Optional A160:

5-speed Sequential Automatic Transmission (Softouch)

Transmission Type Optional A160Cdi:

5-speed Sequential Automatic Transmission (Softouch)

Traction Control:

Optional (ASR - Anti-Slip Regulation)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

3863 mm (152.1 in)

Width:

1719 mm (67.7 in)

Height:

1593 mm (62.7 in)

Wheelbase:

2593 mm (102.1 in)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 130 mm (5.1 in)

Seating Capacity:

5

Luggage Capacity:

395 L (13.9 cu ft) (seats up), 1140 L (40.3 cu ft) (seats folded)

Curb Weight A160:

Approx. 1200-1250 kg (2646-2756 lb)

Curb Weight A160Cdi:

Approx. 1270-1320 kg (2800-2910 lb)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 1700-1750 kg (3748-3858 lb)

🛡️ Safety Features

Euro Ncap Rating:

4 Stars (at time of launch)

ABS:

Standard

Esp:

Optional (Electronic Stability Program)

Traction Control Asr:

Optional

Airbags:

Front airbags (driver and passenger), optional side airbags.

Seatbelts:

Pre-tensioning seatbelts with force limiters.

Body Structure:

Sandwich floor concept for enhanced crumple zones and passenger safety.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted radio/cassette or CD player, optional navigation system (Audio APS).

Parking Assist:

Optional Parktronic system.

Pre Wiring:

Optional pre-wiring for mobile phones (e.g., Nokia integration).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Petrol:

Every 15,000 km (9,320 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first (check manual for specific engine/year).

Oil Change Interval Diesel:

Every 10,000 km (6,213 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first (check manual for specific engine/year).

Major Service:

Typically around 60,000 km (37,000 miles) for spark plugs, air filter, fuel filter (diesel), etc.

Engine Oil A160 Petrol:

MB 229.1 specification, SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 (check manual for exact viscosity).

Engine Oil A160Cdi:

MB 229.1 specification, SAE 0W-30 or 5W-40 (check manual for exact viscosity).

Coolant:

MB-Approval 325.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant concentrate, blue/green).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 (MB-Approval 331.0).

Transmission Fluid Manual:

Gear oil, API GL-4, SAE 75W-90.

Transmission Fluid Auto:

MB 236.20 specification (ATF, check specific model/year).

Common Issues:

Issues with the 'drive-by-wire' electronic throttle control (ETC), potential for ESP/ABS sensor faults, wear on front suspension components (wishbones, ball joints), early models could have injector issues in CDI variants, rear axle bearing wear.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Daimler-Benz AG (later DaimlerChrysler AG).

Generation:

First generation W168.

Facelift:

Minor facelift in 2001, introducing revised styling and updated engines.

Production Period:

1997-2004

Assembly Locations:

Rastatt, Germany; Hambach, France.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Recognition:

Achieved 4 stars in Euro NCAP crash tests, highlighting its innovative safety structure.