Mercedes-Benz AMG A 35
AMG version of the M260 with 306 hp. 7G-DCT and 4MATIC standard. Independent tuning with reinforced bottom end. Good balance of everyday usability and performance.
AMG A 35 — Genuine Sports Car
225 kW, AMG suspension and all-wheel drive: the A 35 is a genuine sports car without the AMG 45 price tag. Lively, precise and very convincing.
Engine Weaknesses 5
Same production defect as in the standard M260: exhaust valve seat inserts wear prematurely causing engine misfires. Mercedes extended warranty to 15 years.
Symptoms: Heavy vibration, misfires (MIL with misfire faults P030x), noticeable power loss
Known production issue on early M260 engines: exhaust valve seat inserts wear prematurely. Mercedes Canada extended warranty to 15 years/241,000 km.
Symptoms: Misfires, rough running, power loss, compression test shows drop, MIL illuminated
The higher-boosted M260 shows premature turbocharger wear with spirited driving. Inadequate cool-down periods accelerate bearing damage.
Symptoms: Whistling from turbo, power drop at high rpm, oil mist in intake tract
Wastegate problems on the M260-AMG35 turbocharger have been documented. The wastegate actuator can deliver incorrect values leading to boost pressure fluctuations.
Symptoms: Whistling from the turbo area, uneven boost build-up, check engine light with boost pressure fault
As a direct-injection engine without port injection, carbon deposits typically form on intake valves. In AMG operation at high rpm this can manifest as rough running.
Symptoms: Slight rough running at low rpm, minimal elevated fuel consumption, occasional cold-start hesitation
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
On 135,454 A-Class W177 vehicles (production Sept. 2017 – Feb. 2019) the A/C condensate drain hose was not correctly routed. Condensation water could enter the footwell and cause short circuits.
On A-Class W177 with DCT gearbox from the production period January 2018 to March 2020, the gearbox may have been underfilled with oil. Consequence: possible drivetrain failure and increased fire risk.
Defective A/C connections can lead to fire risk. A recall was issued. Affected vehicles should be checked for completion of the recall.
The dual clutch gearbox in the W177 exhibits juddering and rough pull-away between 1,500–2,000 RPM. At high mileages and in urban use the clutch packs wear prematurely. Software updates alleviate the problem but do not resolve it permanently.
The MBUX infotainment system freezes or restarts spontaneously. Navigation, Bluetooth and voice control fail. Software updates usually only temporarily resolve the problem.
The MBUX system in the W177 shows sporadic issues in practice: frozen screen, incorrect traffic sign recognition and Bluetooth connection drops. Software updates are needed; on older vehicles problems are persistent.
Due to the high quiescent current draw of the numerous control units and driver assistance systems in the W177, the starter battery is particularly at risk during short-distance use and seasonally operated vehicles.
Reports & Tests
71 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2018–2025). Most reported: Electrical (24), Other (20), Engine (14).