Reliability question

[dd4321]

Hi all,

I am a newbie here. I am currently considering buying a second hand w168 A160 for my wife and looking at 2001 - 2003 model. What I have been hearing is that this particular model is quite problematic and has reliability issues. I have been reading in some forums that timing chain often breaks and causes lots of issues. I also read that auto gearbox often fails.I really like this model, however have lots of concerns about its reliability and wanna make sure that I am not buying a time bomb.
To help me to make an informative decision, I am just wondering if you could share your experience in owning this car? Your comments are much appreciated.

Cheers,

DD

[lofty]

I have owned a manual GB A160 for coming up 6 years and the only problems I've had is the MAFS sensor which these days is not an expensive item if you read my site , Drop links which are only £13 each and easily fitted and a stop light switch, 1 minute jon to change
I now do my own service and the car is very reliable, I wouldn't purchase a high mileage A class nor would I purchase diesel or automatic GB
I have nothing against diesels per say Just MB diesels.

Early A140 had a problem with timing chain adjusters jaming vary rare failure on other models but as with all cars the odd fault does arise, Good oil and change at the precribed time periods and there is no reason why you should have a problem.
For further details and purchasing a used A class see my site , go:-
http://www.aclassinfo.co.uk/index.html
Good luck take your time and do your home work,

[dd4321]

thanks for the reply

[shabir]

I totally agree; have had my 51 reg a140 classic, with 42k on clock and have had no problems what so ever, its got 51k on clock now, give it a good service, just changed breaks and looking to change the coolent. I have AA warranty as i realsied after buying it that there could be expensive repairs. Non the less, I have not had to use the warranty once.

However, its not all perfect, It did have small issue with the starter, for two weeks it would not turn over, was very intermitent. I truned the car off by turning the key and quickly turned it back on and hey presto, its been starting perfect since then, seems like the starter was catching. Was quoted 600 pounds for the repair.

Im looking to sell now, its at 50k and im sure the older the car gets the sooner the problems start. Oh I forgot to mention the srs light came on and would not go off, so it cost me 700 pounds for a new airbag ecu, so its not perfect like any car. Otrehr than that its fine.........buy at your own peril, thats life, its all a risk, if you like the car buy it.