Mercedes A Class 168 — Wheel Fitment & Specs

By Torque, AIWheelTech vehicle & fitment specialist · 1996–present
TL;DR — The Mercedes A Class 168 (1996–present) uses a 5x112 bolt pattern, 66.6 mm centre bore, M12x1.5 bolts torqued to ~110 Nm. It accepts ~6J–8.5J wheels at ET35–ET56.

Overview

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class W168 is the first generation of this subcompact executive car series. Introduced in October 1996 and produced until May 2004, it was a front-wheel drive hatchback designed to be compact yet spacious inside, featuring an innovative design by Steve Mattin that made it stand out among Mercedes-Benz models. Despite initial controversies over its stability during the 'moose test', the A-Class underwent improvements including electronic stability control and suspension modifications. It was assembled in Germany (Rastatt), Brazil (Juiz de Fora), and Thailand (Samut Prakan).

Wheel fitment

Bolt pattern (PCD)5x112
Centre bore66.6 mm
Bolt / threadM12x1.5 (bolts)
Wheel-bolt torque110 Nm
Seat typetapered
Factory setupsquare
TPMSnone

Aftermarket wheel sizes — read per position:

PositionWidthOffset
Front6J–8.5JET35–ET56

As a rule, each extra 1J of width wants roughly +8–10 ET to keep the wheel tucked. The exact offset and any spacer are confirmed by the fit-check.

Browse wheels that fit a Mercedes A Class →Get them fitted (UK)

UK popularity & demand

~389,742 Mercedes A Class licensed on UK roads — top 1% of models by volume.

Based on DfT VEH0124 vehicle-parc data (2025), there are approximately 389,742 Mercedes A Class on UK roads, placing it in the top 1% of car models by volume across our fitment database. That makes its wheel fitment a high-demand size to keep in stock — one reason we track its exact spec here.

Source: DfT/DVLA licensed-vehicle statistics (VEH0124), matched to the AIWheelTech fitment database.

Engines & drivetrain

VariantEngineFuelPowerDrive
A 32K AMG (Prototype)Mercedes-Benz M112 E 32 ML Superchargedpetrol347 hpFWD
A 38 AMG (Prototype)Mercedes-Benz M166 E 19 (two engines—front and rear)petrol250 hpFWD
A 200 TurboMercedes-Benz M266 I4 (turbo)petrol193 hpFWD
A 210 Evolution LMercedes-Benz M166 E 21petrol138 hpFWD
A 210 EvolutionMercedes-Benz M166 E 21petrol138 hpFWD
A 190Mercedes-Benz M166 E 19petrol123 hpFWD
A 190 LMercedes-Benz M166 E 19petrol123 hpFWD
A 180 CDIMercedes-Benz OM640 CDIdiesel104 hpFWD
A 160 LMercedes-Benz M166 E 16petrol99 hpFWD
A 160Mercedes-Benz M166 E 16petrol99 hpFWD
A 170 CDIMercedes-Benz OM668 DE 17 LAdiesel89 hpFWD
A 170 CDI LMercedes-Benz OM668 DE 17 LAdiesel84 hpFWD
A 140Mercedes-Benz M166 E 14petrol80 hpFWD
A 140 L AutomaticMercedes-Benz M166 E 16 red.petrol80 hpFWD
A 140 AutomaticMercedes-Benz M166 E 16 red.petrol80 hpFWD
A 140 LMercedes-Benz M166 E 14petrol80 hpFWD
A 160 CDI LMercedes-Benz OM668 DE 17 LA red.diesel73 hpFWD
A 160 CDIMercedes-Benz OM668 DE 17 A red.diesel59 hpFWD

Performance

VariantPower0–62 mphTop speed
A 14080 hp105 mph
A 140 L80 hp103 mph
A 140 Automatic80 hp103 mph
A 140 L Automatic80 hp103 mph
A 16099 hp114 mph
A 160 L99 hp114 mph
A 190123 hp124 mph
A 190 L123 hp124 mph
A 210 Evolution138 hp127 mph
A 210 Evolution L138 hp127 mph
A 160 CDI59 hp99 mph
A 160 CDI L73 hp102 mph
A 170 CDI89 hp109 mph
A 170 CDI L84 hp113 mph
A 32K AMG (Prototype)347 hp156 mph
A 38 AMG (Prototype)250 hp143 mph
A 180 CDI104 hp7.9 s135 mph
A 200 Turbo193 hp8 s135 mph

Dimensions

Length3606 mm
Width1719 mm
Height1587 mm
Wheelbase2423 mm

Body styles & production

Body styles5-door hatchback
Produced1996–present
Units produced1,100,000

Trim levels

A 160A 190

History & notable variants

The W168 faced significant challenges early on, notably a public relations crisis when it failed the 'moose test' in 1997, leading to recalls and production halts. However, with subsequent improvements, including electronic stability control and suspension modifications, sales resumed. The model was facelifted in February 2001, introducing minor design changes and a longer wheelbase version. By May 2004, approximately 1.1 million units had been sold.

Reliability & owner notes