1999 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Reviews - Page 4 of 9

Nothing much. Some parts in the rear suspension had to be replaced-a known issue, new parts are modified and should last. Total cost about £300 for both incl. fitting at the local garage.

I am really surprised how good it is on the motorway. Last Summer I had a 1300 mile run across Germany and France, loaded up and with passengers, it is very spacious and stable, the ride is very comfortable, and it will do 115 (in Germany of course).ACS is OK, though I may consider a manual next time-it delays matters slightly when you accelerate in 1st gear. The seats are very good, driving position and layout also.

I have only owned the car about six months yet, so nothing really, although the ride is very shaky, and there's a smell of petrol from the heater, but the dealer says it's not dangerous, just a spill, and it should go with time.

Also the airbag light is on, but Mercedes have said it is fine, and the light is faulty because of a damaged switch.

The bonnet release button was broken, but Mercedes fixed this free of charge.

The car, being small, is still very practical, and the seats can be removed to fit two to three big bikes, all seats except the driver's removable.

The ride is very harsh, and it seems to find dings in the most smoothest of roads.

I did have a 05 '54' Audi A2 1.4 TDI as a courtesy car, while my other car, an Audi A6, was having new track rod ends fitted, and the A2 was amazing quality, and the build was as good as my A6. The drive is more rewarding, although you don't know where the bonnet finishes on the A2.

I'd have the A2 if I had the choice, although the A Class is more practical, as you can take all the seats out.

PreDelivery from dealer as new.

Requested rubber strips all round. Only front and back were done.

Requested cup holder between front seats. Got an arm rest instead. Never used it.

Warranty work.

Both seat height adjusters have broken off, twice. The first time for each was repaired under warranty.

The steering wheel shaft became too worn and had to be replaced.

Gear selector broke. £400.

Almost warranty.

At about 40,000 miles the rear suspension bushes became too worn and had to be replaced. At the same time it was noticed that the rear springs had become too compressed and allowed too much travel. These also had to be replaced. The car was out of warranty so Mercedes only paid for the labor.

Out of warranty.

The rear nearside passenger handle (above the door) broke off. £20 to replace.

The air conditioning stopped working. I was told it needed re-gassing. Probably about £80 plus VAT.

During the re-gassing process, it was discovered that the gas filter was no good and had to be changed, another £50 plus VAT. During the exchange it was found that the thread was crossed during manufacture and was irreparable. This had damaged the pipe and therefore the whole heat-exchanger had to be changed. The air ventilation filter had to be changed which required a major strip down. As a result, a minor re-gassing at less that £100 turned into a job costing over £600.

Very economical.

Loads of room.

On a flat road it's very comfortable.

Over potholes and speed bumps it's terrible for rear passengers.