To the previous poster, indicator stalk, seat height handles, alternator... this sounds just like my car (I'm the original poster).
The alternator is worth replacing as it will go intermittent and leave you stranded when the battery goes flat. I chose to sell my car after all the repairs were done (under extended warranty) and let someone else deal with the quality and reliability hassles.
An expensive Mercedes lesson well learned.
I have read all the comments posted, we are considering buying a 1999 A160, please anyone would it be a good buy, considering the problems others had experienced.
To the 24th Feb poster, please avoid the A-Class (especially if it's more than a few years old). The 1999 model year had a plethora of common problems ranging from the indicator stalk, to the seats, steering wheel linkage to rear suspension. If you do buy an 8 year old A-Class, make sure all the recalls and common faults have been fixed.
The car may now be enticingly cheap, but the spare parts and labour costs are as high as ever.
Any comments on a 1999 Mercedes Benz 190 Avantgarde.
Hi, I buy a second hand A160 elegance (made 2001) and several times I can't start the engine at all. After a few hours with the same key and no further actions the engine starts normally... I plan to visit the service, but it is not happy to me this... If someone knows something please response to me : nifonidis@yahoo.gr, Thanks.
A-Class 190 Elegance FGS module. My A-Class is from 2002 with 85.000km and now with "F" on panel. We know that before because we have another A-Class 190 here, with the same problem one year ago. We changed FGS module and spent US$ 2.500,00 on that!! I am really disapointed with this, because now, the same problem are going on with the second car here. I am trying to remember, or find, the code number of this spare part, because I will try to take directly from Germany. If you have conditions to help me, please, send the part number code for py2ny@yahoo.com
Thanks Vitor, Sao Paulo, Brasil.
I have a 2001 model MB A Class Elegance and I had every kind of failure with it. I haven't seen this much garbage car before. I had Fiat and Volkswagen before and they were much much much better. Stay away from Mercedes at all costs! Go and buy a Toyota or Honda.
OK, I bought an 2000 (V) A140 ACS a little while ago and sometimes have 'clunk' or 'thud' happen when I change gear. This is completely intermittent, but seems to occur mostly after long drives at high speeds and is getting more frequent. I have taken it back to the place I bought it from several times and they don't seem to have an answer! Before me taking it to Mercedes themselves, any ideas anyone??
I bought my A160 (1999) last year and up until now no real issues, I have the same problem as another lady which is recently my car starts when it feels like it! Don't get me wrong it does start more times than not, but the mechanic has no clue and says he hasn't seen it before. He has said it could be my ignition, but to be honest I don't want to pay out money if it isn't that. After reading the other ladies comment I'm thinking of selling my baby and getting another car before something worse happens-any one got any ideas of what it could be so I dont have to part with it???
I have two A-160, both where made in 1999. These are the Brazilian assembled ones, as I live in Mexico. One of them has 63,000kms and the other one has 170,000kms already -I use a lot one and almost don't use one. Anyway, counting both, the only things I have had to replace has been: 3wiper blades -the rubber part-, and 3 light bulbs.
Both are as good as new, they run wonderfully. I find it an extremely rugged and reliable car. I have taken them in non pavemented roads, plenty of dust and rocks, and, as I say, as good as new.
I made the last comment, but forgot to say something else. I also have a 2005 BMW 325i F1 SMG. That is a car that has given me problems, especially because of a very poor customer service. I have to take it to the Mercedes dealership for services (imagine that). If I had to sell any of my cars I would undoubtedly sell the BMW and keep both A-160.
Ref : 4th Jul 2005, 21:58 Comment.
My A160 has blown the ECU unit as well. Could you please let me know where you got yours repaired? The quote for new one is about $2,780 and I felt it was too much to pay for a six year old car. Would appreciate your help.
My A160 (2001 Model) has blown Engine Control Unit (ECU). Could anyone please advise where I can get it rebuilt in Australia? I am based in Canberra. I would appreciate if you could please send the information to lrkishen@prontomail.com
I purchased an A140 in 2000 in Birmingham in the UK and the automatic transmission failed last year after just 27000 miles on the clock. I took it up with Daimler Chrysler who refused to accept any responsibility citing the fact that it is out of the warranty period and hadn't been maintained by a Mercedes Benz dealer. That was an expected reply, but I am disappointed that their warranty does not cover KM or miles, but only a period of time. I agree with the comment about the interior too, the seat adjuster just snapped off, as did the door lock trim and the air con failed in 2005. It is your choice, but this is my experience of A140 Automatic made in the year 2000.
I have a 1999 A160 Avantgarde automatic that has done 111,000. I have experienced the gear "F" problem where it jerks into 1st when slowing down to an intersection: Only turning it off and restarting it rectifies the problem. However, I recently had a knock develop in the engine and sent it to the local MD dealer to look at. They replaced Poly-V belt - not that; then stripped tappet cover, nothing; then head and sump and identified possible failed big end bearings. Quoted AU$18,000 to fix! Car only worth $15,000 max! I am now fixing myself and have found a black sticky residue in the engine and on the sump walls. I have also found a perished rubber breather pipe with the inside breaking up. I am thinking that there could be a link with the residue - perhaps this has blocked oil passages causing the early failure of the bearings?
Please can anyone with similar symptoms contact me (in Sydney) : amliddle@optusnet.com.au.