Mercedes-Benz A 160 d
Renault-based small diesel (K9K). Economical but with little power reserve. Prone to EGR fouling and DPF issues under pure short-trip use.
Diesel Minimum
66 kW Renault diesel in the W176 — adequate in town but no punch on a country road. Economical, but joyless.
Engine Weaknesses 6
The Renault K9K-based OM607 uses a timing belt that must be replaced every 120,000 km or 6 years. Neglecting the change leads to snapping and severe engine damage.
Symptoms: No noticeable warning before snap -- sudden failure with no advance notice if change is overdue
The OM607 is an interference engine with a timing belt (Renault K9K). Mercedes specifies 200,000 km; Renault recommends 120,000 km for the same engine. If the belt snaps, pistons meet valves -- immediate engine destruction.
Symptoms: Usually no warning before snap; sometimes faint squealing or rattling on cold start
The Renault-based K9K diesel shows known injector weaknesses. Defective injectors cause poor combustion, increased soot production and drastically shorten DPF regeneration intervals.
Symptoms: Rough idle, power loss, black smoke, frequent DPF regeneration, fault codes for individual cylinders
With predominantly short-trip use, the injectors on the OM607 coke prematurely. Cleaning additives can delay this; replacement costs 800-1,500 EUR.
Symptoms: Rough engine running, power loss, increased consumption, black smoke on acceleration
The EGR valve on the OM607 is prone to carbon deposits with typical urban driving. On the A/B 180d with frequent short-trip use, this is one of the most commonly cited weak points.
Symptoms: Engine warning light, power loss at mid-range rpm, limp mode, fault code P0400/P0401
The 1.5-litre diesel OM607 is primarily designed for long-distance use. With predominantly urban driving and short trips under 10 km, the DPF cannot reach operating temperature for a complete regeneration.
Symptoms: DPF warning symbol, frequent prompts for motorway driving for regeneration, rising oil level through fuel dilution
Vehicle Weaknesses 6
Recall due to defective windscreen bonding. In an accident the screen may detach and occupant protection cannot be guaranteed. Affects vehicles up to July 2013.
Xenon headlights of early model years permanently mist up internally. A complete xenon headlight costs over €1,000. LED headlights of facelift models (from autumn 2015) significantly more robust.
Certain condenser batch has defective welds and loses refrigerant. Replacement costs €1,200 including labour. Recall for A/C as fire risk known.
Early infotainment system (COMAND) of pre-facelift version freezes, starts slowly or crashes. Collision warning PRE-SAFE triggers false emergency braking. Software updates required.
According to MOT reports, indicators and hazard warning lights fail more than average on the W176. Defective relays or control units are usually the cause.
Plastic trim panels in the interior, panoramic roof and boot cover produce annoying creaking and rattling noises. Cheap interior for the brand's level is a common criticism.