Segment:
Compact hatchback
Target Audience:
Younger buyers, small families, urban commuters
Key Rivals:
Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, Opel Astra, Fiat Bravo
Design Philosophy:
Innovative Sandwich Floor Concept for enhanced safety and interior space
Unique Selling Points:
Advanced safety features for its class, compact dimensions with surprisingly spacious interior
Powertrain:
Engine mechanicals, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system
Transmission:
Manual transmission, Automatic transmission (if applicable to A190 variant), clutch system, drive shafts
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (ABS included)
Electrical:
Engine control unit (ECU), body control module (BCM), lighting, instrumentation, power windows, central locking, infotainment system wiring, diagnostics
Bodywork:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, seats, HVAC system
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs), fluid checks and top-ups, brake pad replacement, belt replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common issues, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring diagrams for electrical systems
Repair:
Engine overhauls, transmission rebuilds, suspension component replacement, brake caliper repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement
Adjustments:
Valve adjustments, parking brake adjustment, wheel alignment specifications
Scope:
Comprehensive coverage for DIY enthusiasts and professional technicians
Detail Level:
Step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, special tool requirements, component identification
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated
Displacement:
1.9 Liters (1898 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
80.0 mm x 94.0 mm (typical for M166 family)
Compression Ratio:
10.3:1 (typical)
Horsepower:
125 PS (92 kW) @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
180 Nm (133 lb-ft) @ 3600 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic or similar)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (95 RON recommended)
Emission Standard:
Euro 3 (depending on market and model year)
Length:
3626 mm (early models), 3776 mm (facelifted models)
Front Headroom:
Approx. 1020 mm
Rear Legroom:
Approx. 770 mm (due to sandwich floor)
Boot Capacity:
Approx. 390 liters (extendable to 1200 liters with rear seats folded)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1160-1220 kg (depending on transmission and equipment)
Euro Ncap Early:
4 Stars (for pre-facelift models, with some caveats)
Euro Ncap Later:
Improved safety features and ratings post-facelift
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Esp:
Optional Electronic Stability Program (ESP) on later models
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard; side airbags optional
Sandwich Floor:
Key safety feature allowing engine and transmission to slide beneath the passenger compartment in a frontal impact
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioners and force limiters on front seatbelts
Head Unit:
Factory fitted radio/cassette or CD player, optional navigation system (APS 20, APS 30)
Speakers:
Typically 4 or 6 speaker system
Cruise Control:
Optional cruise control system
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking sensors (Parktronic) on later models
Phone Integration:
Optional hands-free telephone preparation with cradle
Oil Change Interval:
Every 15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first (using approved synthetic oil)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 km or 24 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 km (conventional), or 90,000 km (long-life type)
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years (regardless of mileage)
Engine Oil:
API SL/SM, ACEA A3/B4, MB-Approval 229.3 or 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.0 Liters (with filter)
Coolant:
Mercedes-Benz approved G48 Antifreeze/Coolant (blue/green) or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-80 or 75W-90 (check specific manual for exact MB specification)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
MB-Approval 236.10 or 236.12 (e.g., ATF 410)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (MB-Approval 331.0)
Suspension:
Premature wear of front wishbone bushings, rear shock absorber mounts
Electrical:
Failure of the SAM (Signal Acquisition Module), faulty door lock actuators, intermittent instrument cluster issues
Engine:
Oil leaks from the oil filter housing or valve cover gasket, potential for ignition coil failure
HVAC:
Leaky heater core, non-functioning blower motor resistor
Manufacturer:
Mercedes-Benz AG, Germany
Generation:
First generation W168
Facelift:
2001 (Revised styling, updated interior, improved safety features, longer wheelbase on some variants)
Manufacturing Plant:
Rastatt, Germany
Production End Year:
2004 (replaced by W169 A-Class)
