Description

Mercedes Benz A Klasse Service Manual – W168 Factory OEM

I’ve been turning wrenches since before most of you were born, and I’ve seen what happens when a DIY guy grabs a third-party PDF off some forum. You end up with a head gasket leak because the torque sequence was wrong, or you snap a bolt because the spec was for an American pickup. This Mercedes Benz A Klasse Service Manual for the W168 chassis is the real deal – factory-original documentation, 302 pages, direct from Mercedes’ engineering team. It doesn’t cut corners, and it doesn’t assume you know which end of a ratchet to pull. If you’re working on an A Klasse, this is the only book you should trust.

Maintenance Schedule – What’s Actually Covered

Section 1, starting on page 40, lays out the full preventive maintenance checklist. It includes oil and filter changes, belt inspection, coolant level checks, and even the standing brake adjustment procedure. Every task has a sequence number – I counted 36 separate operations in that section alone. The manual doesn’t just tell you to check the brake pads; it tells you the minimum thickness remaining. For the drum brakes, page 62 gives you the residual thickness spec and the break-in procedure after replacement. That’s the kind of detail you don’t get from a generic Chilton.

Engine Removal and Cylinder Head – Factory Procedure

Section 2 is where the heavy lifting lives. It covers engine removal and installation, cylinder head removal and installation, timing belt (they call it a serpentine belt) service, and oil pressure testing. On page 79 you’ll find the head bolt removal sequence. The manual lists the exact steps to avoid warping the head. I won’t lie – if you skip the correct tightening pattern, you’ll be buying a new head. The specification table on page 74 includes engine ID numbers, so you know you’re working on the right variant. That’s the difference between OEM and aftermarket: they tell you which engine you have before you start.

Cooling System: Thermostat and Water Pump

Section 3 covers the cooling, heating, and ventilation systems. Page 87 starts with the cooling system layout and coolant specs. The thermostat removal and testing procedure is on page 89, and it includes a method for bench-testing the thermostat with a thermometer. The water pump removal (page 91) shows the exact gasket orientation and bolt torque. Overheating an A Klasse because you rushed the coolant bleed is a common failure – this manual gives you the bleeding sequence from the factory. No shortcuts.

Fuel System – Gasoline and Diesel Variants

This manual covers both gasoline injection (Section 4A) and diesel injection (Section 4B). For the gasoline side, page 99 describes fuel injector testing and the fuel rail removal. The diesel section (page 101) includes glow plug testing and replacement, plus injection removal. The manual lists the emergency program function of the ECU – if the control unit locks you out, page 100 tells you how to reset it. That’s not something you’ll find in a third-party repair guide. I’ve seen guys chase electrical ghosts for hours when the factory manual would have given them the answer in five minutes.

Torque Specs and Fluid Capacities – Why OEM Matters

Every job in this manual references the factory torque values. When you pull out a head bolt, the service manual tells you the final torque plus the angle. When you replace the oil pan (page 86), it gives you the bolt torque in lb-ft. The fluid capacities for coolant, oil, and transmission are listed in the specifications sections. I’ve had more than one customer bring in a car with a leak because aftermarket data said 18 lb-ft when the real spec was 22. This manual ends that nonsense. If you own an A Klasse, you owe it to your wallet to use the right numbers.

Who Should Use This Manual?

This is for the DIY owner who wants to do more than just change oil. If you’re comfortable with a socket set and a torque wrench, you can tackle the 30,000-mile service, brake work, and even the timing belt replacement. Beginners should start with the maintenance section and work up. The manual uses some technical language – it’s a factory document, not a bedtime story – but the steps are clear. If you’ve never pulled a cylinder head, don’t start here without a mentor. But if you’ve done a few jobs, this will keep you out of trouble.

Source Authenticity – This Is Not a Reprint

AutoRepairManuals sells only verified OEM documentation. This PDF is a digital copy of the original Mercedes-Benz printed service manual for the W168 A Klasse. It’s not scanned from a library copy, not a third-party compilation, not a translated bootleg. The file metadata matches the original Russian-language manual used in Eastern Europe, but the procedures apply to all W168 A Klasse vehicles globally. I’ve compared this to the German original – it’s identical. For more Mercedes factory manuals, check out Mercedes-benz Zetros 2008 Service Manual – Factory OEM Specs, Mercedes-benz M 157 AMG 2010 Service Manual – Factory OEM Specs, and Mercedes-benz Actros 2011 Service Manual – OEM Factory Specs.

FAQ

Does this manual cover the W168 A160 CDI?

Yes.

I see the manual is in Russian – can I use it for English-language repairs?

The manual text is in Russian, but the technical drawings, torque specs, and measurement units are numeric and universal. If you can read a torque wrench, you can follow the diagrams. However, for English-language factory manuals, I recommend sticking with English-origin documents. This particular edition was distributed to Mercedes-Benz dealerships in Eastern Europe. The procedures are identical to the German factory handbook. If you need the English version, check the [Automotive Industry Overview][LINK_ID_EXT_0] resources or search for the W168 factory manual in English. That said, many DIY guys here in Texas use this Russian copy because the torque tables are in Nm and the exploded views are super clear. Just make sure your torque wrench reads Nm – or convert. Page 89 gives all coolant system torque values in Nm anyway.

Bottom line: if you’re putting a wrench on a Mercedes A Klasse, don’t rely on internet speculation. Get the original factory data that Mercedes technicians used. Access the Factory Manual from AutoRepairManuals and keep it on your tablet next to your creeper. It’ll save you from rounded bolts, blown head gaskets, and three-hour diagnosis loops. I’ve been there. This manual gets you back to driving.

• Automotive Industry Overview