3rd Mar 2007, 05:39

To the 24th Feb poster, please avoid the A-Class (especially if it's more than a few years old). The 1999 model year had a plethora of common problems ranging from the indicator stalk, to the seats, steering wheel linkage to rear suspension. If you do buy an 8 year old A-Class, make sure all the recalls and common faults have been fixed.

The car may now be enticingly cheap, but the spare parts and labour costs are as high as ever.

5th Mar 2007, 21:35

Any comments on a 1999 Mercedes Benz 190 Avantgarde.

22nd Apr 2007, 05:58

Hi, I buy a second hand A160 elegance (made 2001) and several times I can't start the engine at all. After a few hours with the same key and no further actions the engine starts normally... I plan to visit the service, but it is not happy to me this... If someone knows something please response to me : nifonidis@yahoo.gr, Thanks.

25th Jun 2007, 09:57

I have a 2001 model MB A Class Elegance and I had every kind of failure with it. I haven't seen this much garbage car before. I had Fiat and Volkswagen before and they were much much much better. Stay away from Mercedes at all costs! Go and buy a Toyota or Honda.

2nd Aug 2007, 08:19

OK, I bought an 2000 (V) A140 ACS a little while ago and sometimes have 'clunk' or 'thud' happen when I change gear. This is completely intermittent, but seems to occur mostly after long drives at high speeds and is getting more frequent. I have taken it back to the place I bought it from several times and they don't seem to have an answer! Before me taking it to Mercedes themselves, any ideas anyone??

13th Oct 2007, 09:48

I bought my A160 (1999) last year and up until now no real issues, I have the same problem as another lady which is recently my car starts when it feels like it! Don't get me wrong it does start more times than not, but the mechanic has no clue and says he hasn't seen it before. He has said it could be my ignition, but to be honest I don't want to pay out money if it isn't that. After reading the other ladies comment I'm thinking of selling my baby and getting another car before something worse happens-any one got any ideas of what it could be so I dont have to part with it???

8th Dec 2007, 12:12

I have two A-160, both where made in 1999. These are the Brazilian assembled ones, as I live in Mexico. One of them has 63,000kms and the other one has 170,000kms already -I use a lot one and almost don't use one. Anyway, counting both, the only things I have had to replace has been: 3wiper blades -the rubber part-, and 3 light bulbs.

Both are as good as new, they run wonderfully. I find it an extremely rugged and reliable car. I have taken them in non pavemented roads, plenty of dust and rocks, and, as I say, as good as new.

8th Dec 2007, 12:16

I made the last comment, but forgot to say something else. I also have a 2005 BMW 325i F1 SMG. That is a car that has given me problems, especially because of a very poor customer service. I have to take it to the Mercedes dealership for services (imagine that). If I had to sell any of my cars I would undoubtedly sell the BMW and keep both A-160.

10th Jan 2008, 18:19

Ref : 4th Jul 2005, 21:58 Comment.

My A160 has blown the ECU unit as well. Could you please let me know where you got yours repaired? The quote for new one is about $2,780 and I felt it was too much to pay for a six year old car. Would appreciate your help.

10th Jan 2008, 20:23

My A160 (2001 Model) has blown Engine Control Unit (ECU). Could anyone please advise where I can get it rebuilt in Australia? I am based in Canberra. I would appreciate if you could please send the information to lrkishen@prontomail.com

12th Jun 2008, 21:14

I have a W-reg A140 and I think it is absolutely fantastic!

Best car I have ever had, bought it from new and have not had one single problem, apart from a flat battery... but that was my fault because I left the lights on.

Some friends have just bought the new A-class and also rave about how fantastic it is..

Well recommended!

24th Sep 2008, 03:30

My A160 Mercedes, registration number CFM18463, year 2002, has had problems when pulling away since we bought it.

She was slow to engage into 1st gear when the vehicle came to a stop. Almost as if the 1st gear would not engage in time. At pull away she would be very sluggish. This would not be the case every time. If you stopped on an incline, the gearbox would make a crack noise when she engaged, and then she would kick in and the wheels would spin.

The car has done 90,000km, and Mercedes Benz replaced every unit and every sensor on the vehicle with no luck. The only unit which was not replaced was the gearbox control unit.

Last month upon returning from a trip, the BAS light came on, and to cut a long story short we were told the gearbox electrohydraulic control unit packed up.

We wrote letters highlighting the initial problem to the dealer, and when the unit packed up this was forwarded to Mercedes Benz SA. They came back stating they cannot stand good for the faulty unit.

I am utterly convinced that the problem that manifested itself right from the onset was the forerunner of the defective gearbox electrohydraulic control unit.

I request that you give me an answer on this,

Regards

Pieter Kruger.

20th Oct 2008, 08:43

I recently bought an A160 (1999) second hand from Japan. It's only done 60,000Km.

I have not been able to even drive it for one day because the gears do not engage. It shows an F on the screen. Seems this is a common problem because a colleague of mine bought the same, except that it is an A190 (2000) but has the same problem.

Anyone with a solution please reply to kitbeat@yahoo.com

16th Jan 2009, 17:13

I have had an A140 for almost 4 years.

Timing chain snapped as the tensioner was set too tight; 1,200 cost.

Drivers seat adjuster snapped off, boot jammed, window on drivers side fell down, could not get it up, and now severe knocking noise on passenger side; think it might cost 1300 pounds to repair for a steering rack.

Would not buy Mercedes again.

25th Feb 2009, 16:18

I have a A190 Avantgarde W Reg - the "F" fault appeared whilst I was on the motorway in 5th gear - could only move from 5th to neutral or back to 5th. Once stopped it went into the other gear but kept jumping back to "F". Went to garage to be reset - could not find a fault. This then happened one night driving home in the snow and it was pretty scary.

However, I have found out how to rectify this!! If you actually stall the car - this then resets the computer allowing you to start the engine and move through the gears - this happened three weeks ago and so far no recurring instances - I had lost faith in the car slightly but now that this rectifies it I am quite happy to keep the little car for the time being at least.

Perhaps you could try stalling the engine and let me know this solves your problems too! Alicia X.