Mercedes-Benz A 160 CDI
Robust two-litre diesel with common rail. Known for leaking injector seals and DPF issues under short-trip use. Otherwise long-lived.
Diesel Minimum
60 kW diesel in the W169 — frugal and quiet, but so sluggish that overtaking becomes a test of patience. Not for those in a hurry.
Engine Weaknesses 6
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
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
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
The diesel particulate filter on the OM640 does not regenerate adequately during short-trip driving. Insufficient exhaust temperatures leave soot in the filter and block it.
Symptoms: DPF warning light, power loss, elevated fuel consumption, engine enters limp mode
The DMF on the OM640 in the A180/B180 CDI is known for premature wear. Mercedes acknowledged the problem and announced an improved version.
Symptoms: Loud rattling from engine bay when warm, noise disappears when pressing the clutch, vibrations when pulling away and manoeuvring
The oil cooler on the OM640 is prone to leaking gaskets at the oil filter housing. Oil traces on the heat shield under the engine. Gasket replacement resolves the issue.
Symptoms: Oil spots on underbody cladding, oil smell after shutdown, dropping oil level without visible external leak
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
The SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) fails and causes loss of lighting, windscreen wipers and instrument display. An expensive component that must be programmed.
A/C condensers from a specific production batch have defective solder joints and lose refrigerant. Repair sometimes requires full engine bay disassembly. Costs up to €1,600.
Defective factory sealing causes rust at door lower edges that continues growing inward. Tailgate and door hinges also affected. First model years particularly susceptible.
Rear springs break more frequently on older examples. Strut top rust promotes early breakage. MOT regularly flags suspension springs and driveshafts.
Due to inadequate factory seam sealing, rust forms on lower door edges and the tailgate. Vehicles before the 2008 facelift are particularly affected.
Air conditioning fails frequently, often due to leaks in the refrigerant circuit or defective compressors. Sourcing replacement parts can be challenging.
Interior trim pieces, particularly the dashboard and A-pillar trim, rattle and vibrate. Seats wobble at higher mileages. Early model years most affected.