Parts for A-Class generation W168 A 160 CDI

The Mercedes-Benz W168 is the first-generation A-Class, offered here as a 5-Door Hatchback and produced from 1997/07 to 2004/08. Developed for the European compact car segment, it introduced a very different concept for Mercedes-Benz: a short, tall-bodied hatchback with a high roofline, compact exterior dimensions and a strong focus on interior space efficiency. This generation is especially known for its “sandwich floor” construction, upright seating position and front-wheel-drive layout, marking a major departure from the brand’s traditional rear-wheel-drive saloons.

Across the W168 range, buyers could choose from a variety of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, including 1.4, 1.6, 1.9 and 2.1-litre petrol units, plus 1.7-litre diesel versions in naturally aspirated and CDI forms depending on market and model year. Manual transmissions were common, with automatic options also available on selected variants. Technically, the W168 stood out for its compact platform, independent front suspension and rear setup designed to maximise cabin space within a small footprint. Compared with earlier Mercedes compact offerings, there was no true predecessor in this format, making the W168 effectively a clean-sheet design with new packaging, safety engineering and electronic systems for the brand’s entry-level range.

On this Mercedes-Benz W168 generation, commonly replaced parts include suspension components such as springs, dampers and control arm bushes, as well as wheel bearings, window regulators, lighting parts, central locking components, instrument cluster items and other age-related electrical modules. Exterior panels, bumpers, mirrors and interior trim are also frequently sourced due to urban wear and minor accident damage. Choosing a genuine used OEM part for this exact model makes sense because VIN-matched fitment helps avoid compatibility issues, while original Mercedes quality is retained at a lower cost than new dealer parts. Our store stocks parts matched specifically to the W168 5-Door Hatchback from 1997/07 to 2004/08, with worldwide shipping.