Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse W169
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The second-generation A-Class ditched the W168's sandwich floor for a conventional compact car layout — significantly more mature, but less quirky. The ESP drama was forgotten, replaced by different issues.
The M266 petrol engine ranges from 1.5 to 2.0 liters with 70 to 142 kW. The A 150 and A 170 are robust daily drivers with few surprises. The A 200 Turbo at 142 kW is the pick of the range but tends toward higher oil consumption when driven hard. Chain tensioner issues on the M266 are rare but documented — investigate if idle is rough. The OM640 2.0L diesel is the economy choice: 60 to 103 kW, consumption from 4.5 liters. However, injectors and the DPF become cost drivers past 80,000 miles. The high-pressure fuel pump can fail without warning — a defect that quickly costs $2,200–3,300.
Rust is less dramatic than the predecessor but hasn't disappeared: rear wheel arches and the tailgate around the license plate are the usual suspects. The CVT was replaced by a conventional stepped automatic — much better, but it occasionally jerks at low gears. The electric power steering (EPS) can develop play past 60,000 miles, manifesting as vague steering feel.
The chassis is comfort-oriented, with control arm bushings and drop links as wear items past 50,000 miles. The climate control occasionally suffers blower resistor failures.
Test-drive checklist: Cold-start the diesel — rough idle or metallic ticking suggests injector problems. Test steering on the highway: if the car wanders or center-feel is vague, the EPS is worn. Check automatic for jerking in city traffic.
2026 market: Between $2,700 and $7,700 for examples with 50,000–90,000 miles. Diesels are cheaper due to emission zone restrictions.
Insider pick: A 170 with manual gearbox — enough power, minimal drama.
Generations
Engine Overview
The Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse W169 is available with 7 engine variants — from 82 to 193 hp.
Robust two-litre CDI with timing chain and common rail. Prone to leaking injector seals from around 150,000 km: injectors work loose and fuel or combustion gases escape externally — visible as tarry deposits around the injector bores. Timing chain rattles on cold start after 150,000 km as the chain tensioner wears. EGR valve clogs up in pure city use. DPF does not regenerate adequately on short trips. Dual-mass flywheel wears early in manual transmission versions. Oil cooler gasket at the filter housing leaks. Otherwise a long-lived unit with regular servicing and a reasonable proportion of longer runs.
- !! Injectors Leaking — Tar Deposits and Pressure Loss from 150,000 km
The OM640 injectors loosen and develop leaks in service. From approximately 150,000 km, tarry gases enter the engine bay and the cabin. All injectors should be replaced simultaneously.
Symptoms: Knocking 'psch-psch-psch' noise, engine warning light, soot deposits around injectors, misfires, diesel smell in the cabin - !! Timing Chain Rattles — Chain Tensioner Worn from 160,000 km
The OM640 shows metallic rattling at cold start from approximately 150,000 km due to timing chain stretch. Complex removal as the engine in the W169/W245 is mounted at an angle and must be lowered.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling at cold start, noise fades when warm, knocking on load changes, CEL possible - !! EGR Valve Coked Up and Stuck from 100,000 km
The EGR valve on the OM640 tends to coke up with soot deposits, particularly during frequent short-trip use. A stuck EGR valve significantly worsens performance and fuel economy.
Symptoms: Poor throttle response, elevated fuel consumption, engine warning light, rough idle, soot clouds under acceleration
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Robust two-litre CDI with timing chain and common rail. Prone to leaking injector seals from around 150,000 km: injectors work loose and fuel or combustion gases escape externally — visible as tarry deposits around the injector bores. Timing chain rattles on cold start after 150,000 km as the chain tensioner wears. EGR valve clogs up in pure city use. DPF does not regenerate adequately on short trips. Dual-mass flywheel wears early in manual transmission versions. Oil cooler gasket at the filter housing leaks. Otherwise a long-lived unit with regular servicing and a reasonable proportion of longer runs.
- !! Injectors Leaking — Tar Deposits and Pressure Loss from 150,000 km
The OM640 injectors loosen and develop leaks in service. From approximately 150,000 km, tarry gases enter the engine bay and the cabin. All injectors should be replaced simultaneously.
Symptoms: Knocking 'psch-psch-psch' noise, engine warning light, soot deposits around injectors, misfires, diesel smell in the cabin - !! Timing Chain Rattles — Chain Tensioner Worn from 160,000 km
The OM640 shows metallic rattling at cold start from approximately 150,000 km due to timing chain stretch. Complex removal as the engine in the W169/W245 is mounted at an angle and must be lowered.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling at cold start, noise fades when warm, knocking on load changes, CEL possible - !! EGR Valve Coked Up and Stuck from 100,000 km
The EGR valve on the OM640 tends to coke up with soot deposits, particularly during frequent short-trip use. A stuck EGR valve significantly worsens performance and fuel economy.
Symptoms: Poor throttle response, elevated fuel consumption, engine warning light, rough idle, soot clouds under acceleration
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Robust two-litre CDI with timing chain and common rail. Prone to leaking injector seals from around 150,000 km: injectors work loose and fuel or combustion gases escape externally — visible as tarry deposits around the injector bores. Timing chain rattles on cold start after 150,000 km as the chain tensioner wears. EGR valve clogs up in pure city use. DPF does not regenerate adequately on short trips. Dual-mass flywheel wears early in manual transmission versions. Oil cooler gasket at the filter housing leaks. Otherwise a long-lived unit with regular servicing and a reasonable proportion of longer runs.
- !! Injectors Leaking — Tar Deposits and Pressure Loss from 150,000 km
The OM640 injectors loosen and develop leaks in service. From approximately 150,000 km, tarry gases enter the engine bay and the cabin. All injectors should be replaced simultaneously.
Symptoms: Knocking 'psch-psch-psch' noise, engine warning light, soot deposits around injectors, misfires, diesel smell in the cabin - !! Timing Chain Rattles — Chain Tensioner Worn from 160,000 km
The OM640 shows metallic rattling at cold start from approximately 150,000 km due to timing chain stretch. Complex removal as the engine in the W169/W245 is mounted at an angle and must be lowered.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling at cold start, noise fades when warm, knocking on load changes, CEL possible - !! EGR Valve Coked Up and Stuck from 100,000 km
The EGR valve on the OM640 tends to coke up with soot deposits, particularly during frequent short-trip use. A stuck EGR valve significantly worsens performance and fuel economy.
Symptoms: Poor throttle response, elevated fuel consumption, engine warning light, rough idle, soot clouds under acceleration
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Development of the M166 for the second-generation A-Class (W169) and first B-Class (W245). Available with an optional CVT automatic (Autotronic) which is however the defining weakness of this engine family. The Van Doorne steel-belt CVT wears at the cone, steel belt, and oil pump — repair is often not economically viable. The turbo variant (200 Turbo) is rare and considered solid but shows increased oil consumption at high mileage. Ignition coils age and fail in sequence. The base engines (150, 160, 170 petrol) are trouble-free and long-lived with proper oil maintenance.
- !! CVT Gearbox Loses Drive from 130,000 km
The Autotronic CVT (722.8) on the M266 is failure-prone: the push belt wears or the output speed sensor in the control unit fails. When faulty, only engine rpm rises on acceleration with no drive.
Symptoms: Engine revs climb, vehicle does not accelerate, CVT warning on display, no drive in D or R - !! Defective Gearbox Control Unit — Fault Codes P0706 / 0722 from 120,000 km
The CVT gearbox control unit develops faults in the internal speed sensor. Typical fault codes are P0706 and 0722/0723. New control unit requires manufacturer programming and is expensive.
Symptoms: Fault message 'Transmission — visit workshop', jerky shifting, vehicle stranding, gearbox limp mode - !! CVT Autotronic — Push-Belt and Sensor Wear from 120,000 km
The optional Autotronic CVT gearbox is considered the weak point of the W245. Typical faults: speed sensors, control unit, and premature push-belt wear. Repair costs frequently exceed the vehicle's value.
Symptoms: Judder when pulling away, unusual noises from gearbox, vehicle no longer shifts, gearbox stuck in one gear
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Development of the M166 for the second-generation A-Class (W169) and first B-Class (W245). Available with an optional CVT automatic (Autotronic) which is however the defining weakness of this engine family. The Van Doorne steel-belt CVT wears at the cone, steel belt, and oil pump — repair is often not economically viable. The turbo variant (200 Turbo) is rare and considered solid but shows increased oil consumption at high mileage. Ignition coils age and fail in sequence. The base engines (150, 160, 170 petrol) are trouble-free and long-lived with proper oil maintenance.
- !! CVT Gearbox Loses Drive from 130,000 km
The Autotronic CVT (722.8) on the M266 is failure-prone: the push belt wears or the output speed sensor in the control unit fails. When faulty, only engine rpm rises on acceleration with no drive.
Symptoms: Engine revs climb, vehicle does not accelerate, CVT warning on display, no drive in D or R - !! Defective Gearbox Control Unit — Fault Codes P0706 / 0722 from 120,000 km
The CVT gearbox control unit develops faults in the internal speed sensor. Typical fault codes are P0706 and 0722/0723. New control unit requires manufacturer programming and is expensive.
Symptoms: Fault message 'Transmission — visit workshop', jerky shifting, vehicle stranding, gearbox limp mode - !! CVT Autotronic — Push-Belt and Sensor Wear from 120,000 km
The optional Autotronic CVT gearbox is considered the weak point of the W245. Typical faults: speed sensors, control unit, and premature push-belt wear. Repair costs frequently exceed the vehicle's value.
Symptoms: Judder when pulling away, unusual noises from gearbox, vehicle no longer shifts, gearbox stuck in one gear
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Development of the M166 for the second-generation A-Class (W169) and first B-Class (W245). Available with an optional CVT automatic (Autotronic) which is however the defining weakness of this engine family. The Van Doorne steel-belt CVT wears at the cone, steel belt, and oil pump — repair is often not economically viable. The turbo variant (200 Turbo) is rare and considered solid but shows increased oil consumption at high mileage. Ignition coils age and fail in sequence. The base engines (150, 160, 170 petrol) are trouble-free and long-lived with proper oil maintenance.
- !! CVT Gearbox Loses Drive from 130,000 km
The Autotronic CVT (722.8) on the M266 is failure-prone: the push belt wears or the output speed sensor in the control unit fails. When faulty, only engine rpm rises on acceleration with no drive.
Symptoms: Engine revs climb, vehicle does not accelerate, CVT warning on display, no drive in D or R - !! Defective Gearbox Control Unit — Fault Codes P0706 / 0722 from 120,000 km
The CVT gearbox control unit develops faults in the internal speed sensor. Typical fault codes are P0706 and 0722/0723. New control unit requires manufacturer programming and is expensive.
Symptoms: Fault message 'Transmission — visit workshop', jerky shifting, vehicle stranding, gearbox limp mode - !! CVT Autotronic — Push-Belt and Sensor Wear from 120,000 km
The optional Autotronic CVT gearbox is considered the weak point of the W245. Typical faults: speed sensors, control unit, and premature push-belt wear. Repair costs frequently exceed the vehicle's value.
Symptoms: Judder when pulling away, unusual noises from gearbox, vehicle no longer shifts, gearbox stuck in one gear
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Development of the M166 for the second-generation A-Class (W169) and first B-Class (W245). Available with an optional CVT automatic (Autotronic) which is however the defining weakness of this engine family. The Van Doorne steel-belt CVT wears at the cone, steel belt, and oil pump — repair is often not economically viable. The turbo variant (200 Turbo) is rare and considered solid but shows increased oil consumption at high mileage. Ignition coils age and fail in sequence. The base engines (150, 160, 170 petrol) are trouble-free and long-lived with proper oil maintenance.
- !! CVT Gearbox Loses Drive from 130,000 km
The Autotronic CVT (722.8) on the M266 is failure-prone: the push belt wears or the output speed sensor in the control unit fails. When faulty, only engine rpm rises on acceleration with no drive.
Symptoms: Engine revs climb, vehicle does not accelerate, CVT warning on display, no drive in D or R - !! Defective Gearbox Control Unit — Fault Codes P0706 / 0722 from 120,000 km
The CVT gearbox control unit develops faults in the internal speed sensor. Typical fault codes are P0706 and 0722/0723. New control unit requires manufacturer programming and is expensive.
Symptoms: Fault message 'Transmission — visit workshop', jerky shifting, vehicle stranding, gearbox limp mode - !! CVT Autotronic — Push-Belt and Sensor Wear from 120,000 km
The optional Autotronic CVT gearbox is considered the weak point of the W245. Typical faults: speed sensors, control unit, and premature push-belt wear. Repair costs frequently exceed the vehicle's value.
Symptoms: Judder when pulling away, unusual noises from gearbox, vehicle no longer shifts, gearbox stuck in one gear
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Autotronic CVT Gearbox: Failure and Costly Repair The continuously variable Autotronic gearbox fails frequently, often under 100,000 km. Faults in the control unit, drive belt or chain link belt lead to total loss. Repair rarely economical. Symptoms: Judder when pulling away, no forward drive, gearbox fault light, limp mode from 90,000 km | High |
Test Reports
TÜV Report 2024
The second A-Class generation achieves average MOT results with individual weak points at the brakes and electrics.
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Explore more
Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 17 weaknesses have been documented for the Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse W169 (2004–2012) — 11 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. One problem engine: M266 (1.5-2.0L). Typical issues affect Gearbox, HVAC, Rust, Suspension.
A-Klasse (OM640, 2004–2012) — Be Careful: Injectors Leaking — Tar Deposits and Pressure Loss, Timing Chain Rattles — Chain Tensioner Worn, EGR Valve Coked Up and Stuck. Power: 82 PS.
A-Klasse (OM640, 2004–2012) — Be Careful: Injectors Leaking — Tar Deposits and Pressure Loss, Timing Chain Rattles — Chain Tensioner Worn, EGR Valve Coked Up and Stuck. Power: 109 PS.
A-Klasse (OM640, 2007–2012) — Be Careful: Injectors Leaking — Tar Deposits and Pressure Loss, Timing Chain Rattles — Chain Tensioner Worn, EGR Valve Coked Up and Stuck. Power: 136–140 PS.
A-Klasse (M266, 2004–2012) — Stay Away!: CVT Gearbox Loses Drive, Defective Gearbox Control Unit — Fault Codes P0706 / 0722, CVT Autotronic — Push-Belt and Sensor Wear. Power: 95 PS.
A-Klasse (M266, 2004–2012) — Stay Away!: CVT Gearbox Loses Drive, Defective Gearbox Control Unit — Fault Codes P0706 / 0722, CVT Autotronic — Push-Belt and Sensor Wear. Power: 116 PS.
A-Klasse (M266, 2004–2012) — Stay Away!: CVT Gearbox Loses Drive, Defective Gearbox Control Unit — Fault Codes P0706 / 0722, CVT Autotronic — Push-Belt and Sensor Wear. Power: 136–140 PS.
A-Klasse (M266, 2005–2012) — Stay Away!: CVT Gearbox Loses Drive, Defective Gearbox Control Unit — Fault Codes P0706 / 0722, CVT Autotronic — Push-Belt and Sensor Wear. Power: 193 PS.
What to watch out for with the Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse W169 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse W169? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse W169 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse W169 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse W169? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee