Mercedes W168 A140 1997-2004 Workshop Repair Service Manual
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🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: A-Class Model Code: W168 Variant: A140 Codes Engine Code Range: M166.940 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact car, premium hatchback segment Unique Selling Proposition: Innovative 'sandwich' floor concept for enhanced safety and interior space packaging in a compact footprint Competitive Analysis Competitors: Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, Opel Astra, Renault Megane, Fiat Bravo Key Features Design Philosophy: Compact exterior dimensions with maximized interior space and safety, particularly crash protection via the sandwich floor. Target Audience: Urban dwellers, young families, individuals seeking a premium, safe, and practical compact vehicle. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Model Years Covered: 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 Specific Models Covered: W168 A140 Page Count Estimated Page Count: Over 800 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals) Manual Type Type: Workshop Repair and Service Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine (M166), transmission (manual and automatic), clutch, drive shafts, differential Chassis: Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system, wheels and tires Electrical: Engine control unit (ECU), lighting system, instrument cluster, power windows, central locking, audio system, basic body electricals Body: Body structure, exterior panels, interior trim, seats, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) Procedures Included Maintenance: Routine inspections, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement Repair: Engine component repair and replacement (pistons, valves, head gasket), transmission overhaul, brake caliper/rotor replacement, suspension strut replacement, steering rack repair, minor body panel repair Diagnostics: Troubleshooting common problems, fault code interpretation (OBD-II basics), diagnostic procedures for various systems Troubleshooting: Step-by-step guides for diagnosing common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical failures. Engine Overhaul: Detailed instructions for engine disassembly, inspection, measurement, and reassembly of major components like the cylinder head, block, pistons, and crankshaft. Electrical Schematics: Wiring diagrams for various circuits (engine management, lighting, power accessories, etc.) are typically included, crucial for diagnosing electrical issues. Specification Charts: Comprehensive charts detailing all essential specifications, including torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, and wear limits. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to major component overhaul and repair. Includes detailed diagrams, torque specifications, and step-by-step instructions. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format PDF Quality: High-resolution scans, often searchable text depending on original source Searchable: Likely searchable if digitally created or OCR'd Print Quality Printability: Printable from PDF viewer Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital PDF Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital PDF Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Inline-4 Cylinder, Naturally Aspirated Engine Displacement: 1.4 Liters (1397 cc) Engine Code: M166.940 Valve Train: SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 8 Valves Performance Horsepower: 82 PS (81 bhp; 60 kW) at 5000 rpm Torque: 130 Nm (96 lb-ft) at 3750 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (RON 95 recommended) Engine Management ECU Type: Bosch Motronic (specific version varies by year/market) Maintenance Timing Belt Or Chain: Timing Chain (lower maintenance) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-speed Manual Transmission Optional Type: 5-speed Automatic Transmission (optional) Features Manual Gear Ratios: Detailed ratios available in manual (e.g., 1st: 3.46, 2nd: 1.95, 3rd: 1.38, 4th: 1.03, 5th: 0.86, Reverse: 3.00, Final Drive: 3.73) Fluid Specifications Manual Transmission Fluid: MB 235.1 / API GL-4, SAE 75W-85 or 75W-90 (check manual for exact spec) Automatic Transmission Fluid: MB 236.10 / ATF Dexron III (check manual for exact spec) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 3626 mm (142.8 in) Width: 1722 mm (67.8 in) Height: 1575 mm (62.0 in) Wheelbase: 2373 mm (93.4 in) Interior Seating Capacity: 5 passengers Cargo Cargo Volume: Approx. 300 - 1050 liters (depending on rear seat configuration) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1130 kg (2491 lbs) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approx. 1650 kg (3638 lbs) Towing Capacity: Typically limited for this model, consult manual or local regulations. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Euro Ncap Rating: 4 Stars (early models, structure improved later) Active Features ABS: Standard (Anti-lock Braking System) Esp: Optional on some models (Electronic Stability Program) Passive Features Airbags: Driver and front passenger airbags standard; side airbags optional. Structure: Sandwich floor structure designed to absorb and redirect impact energy, pushing engine and drivetrain under the passenger compartment in frontal crashes. Seatbelts: Pre-tensioners and force limiters on front seats. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory fitted radio/cassette or CD player with basic speaker system. Optional upgrades available. Display: Small LCD display for radio and climate control information. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Optional on some models. Connectivity Aux Input: Rarely standard; aftermarket solutions often needed for modern device connectivity. Comfort Features Climate Control: Manual or automatic climate control systems available depending on trim level. Power Features: Power windows (front standard, rear optional), power mirrors standard. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: 15,000 km (9,300 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first (for fully synthetic oil, check manual for specific oil types and...
Engine component repair and replacement (pistons, valves, head gasket), transmission overhaul, brake caliper/rotor replacement, suspension strut replacement, steering rack repair, minor body panel repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting common problems, fault code interpretation (OBD-II basics), diagnostic procedures for various systems
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step guides for diagnosing common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical failures.
Engine Overhaul:
Detailed instructions for engine disassembly, inspection, measurement, and reassembly of major components like the cylinder head, block, pistons, and crankshaft.
Electrical Schematics:
Wiring diagrams for various circuits (engine management, lighting, power accessories, etc.) are typically included, crucial for diagnosing electrical issues.
Specification Charts:
Comprehensive charts detailing all essential specifications, including torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, and wear limits.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to major component overhaul and repair. Includes detailed diagrams, torque specifications, and step-by-step instructions.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
PDF Quality:
High-resolution scans, often searchable text depending on original source
Searchable:
Likely searchable if digitally created or OCR'd
Print Quality
Printability:
Printable from PDF viewer
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF Download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Inline-4 Cylinder, Naturally Aspirated
Engine Displacement:
1.4 Liters (1397 cc)
Engine Code:
M166.940
Valve Train:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 8 Valves
Performance
Horsepower:
82 PS (81 bhp; 60 kW) at 5000 rpm
Torque:
130 Nm (96 lb-ft) at 3750 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (RON 95 recommended)
Engine Management
ECU Type:
Bosch Motronic (specific version varies by year/market)
Maintenance
Timing Belt Or Chain:
Timing Chain (lower maintenance)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Type:
5-speed Automatic Transmission (optional)
Features
Manual Gear Ratios:
Detailed ratios available in manual (e.g., 1st: 3.46, 2nd: 1.95, 3rd: 1.38, 4th: 1.03, 5th: 0.86, Reverse: 3.00, Final Drive: 3.73)
Fluid Specifications
Manual Transmission Fluid:
MB 235.1 / API GL-4, SAE 75W-85 or 75W-90 (check manual for exact spec)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
MB 236.10 / ATF Dexron III (check manual for exact spec)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
3626 mm (142.8 in)
Width:
1722 mm (67.8 in)
Height:
1575 mm (62.0 in)
Wheelbase:
2373 mm (93.4 in)
Interior
Seating Capacity:
5 passengers
Cargo
Cargo Volume:
Approx. 300 - 1050 liters (depending on rear seat configuration)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1130 kg (2491 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 1650 kg (3638 lbs)
Towing Capacity:
Typically limited for this model, consult manual or local regulations.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Euro Ncap Rating:
4 Stars (early models, structure improved later)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Esp:
Optional on some models (Electronic Stability Program)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard; side airbags optional.
Structure:
Sandwich floor structure designed to absorb and redirect impact energy, pushing engine and drivetrain under the passenger compartment in frontal crashes.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioners and force limiters on front seats.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory fitted radio/cassette or CD player with basic speaker system. Optional upgrades available.
Display:
Small LCD display for radio and climate control information.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Optional on some models.
Connectivity
Aux Input:
Rarely standard; aftermarket solutions often needed for modern device connectivity.
Comfort Features
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control systems available depending on trim level.
Power Features:
Power windows (front standard, rear optional), power mirrors standard.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
15,000 km (9,300 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first (for fully synthetic oil, check manual for specific oil types and intervals).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 45,000 km (27,900 miles) or 24 months.
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 km (9,300 miles) or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 km (37,200 miles).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 liters (4.8 US quarts) with filter change.
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.1 or MB 229.3 (SAE 0W-40, 5W-40, or 5W-30 depending on climate and specific oil approval, consult manual).
Coolant Specification:
MB 325.0 / MB 326.0 (Glycol-based coolant, typically blue or green, 50% mixture with distilled water).
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 (or DOT 4 Plus if specified by Mercedes-Benz).
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Transmission issues (especially automatic), ignition coil failure, window regulator failure, early electronic ignition module problems, corrosion on subframes, potential for oil leaks from rocker cover gasket.
Suspension Wear:
Front control arm bushings and rear axle bushings can wear over time, leading to noise and handling degradation.
Electrical Gremlins:
Intermittent issues with sensors or modules can occur, often requiring diagnostic scanning.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Focus:
Mercedes-Benz is renowned for luxury, engineering quality, safety, and innovation in automotive technology.
Model Evolution
First Generation:
The W168 marked Mercedes-Benz's entry into the compact car segment, a significant departure from their traditional larger luxury sedans and coupes. Launched in 1997.
Facelift:
A facelift occurred in 2001, introducing updated styling, improved features, and minor mechanical revisions.
Production
Production Period:
1997-2004
Manufacturing Location:
Rastatt, Germany
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Safety Awards:
While Euro NCAP gave it 4 stars, Mercedes-Benz's engineering commitment to safety was a key selling point. Later models and variations may have improved ratings.
Ratings
Design Awards:
The innovative sandwich floor concept received praise for its safety benefits and packaging efficiency, though styling was sometimes polarizing.
Certifications
Emissions Standards:
Complies with relevant emissions standards for its production era (e.g., Euro 3).
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