Mercedes A Class wheel fitment — 168
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).
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.
Mercedes A Class wheel fitment
Everything below is what the fit-check uses for Mercedes A Class wheel fitment: the factory bolt spec first, then the width and offset window that clears the arches and the brakes on the Mercedes A Class 168.
| Bolt pattern (PCD) | 5x112 |
| Centre bore | 66.6 mm |
| Bolt / thread | M12x1.5 (bolts) |
| Wheel-bolt torque | 110 Nm |
| Seat type | tapered |
| Factory setup | square |
| TPMS | none |
| Run-flat | Yes |
Aftermarket wheel sizes — read per position:
| Position | Width | Offset |
|---|---|---|
| Front | 6J–8.5J | ET35–ET56 |
As a rule, each extra 1J of width wants roughly +8 to 10 ET to keep the wheel tucked. The exact offset and any spacer are confirmed by the fit-check.
Engines & drivetrain
| Variant | Engine | Fuel | Power | Drive, years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A 140 | 1,397 cc, 166.940 | petrol | 60 kW (82 PS) | 1997 to 2004 |
| A 140 (Automatik) | 1,598 cc, 166.960 red. | petrol | 60 kW (82 PS) | 2000 to 2004 |
| A 160 | 1,598 cc, 166.960 | petrol | 75 kW (102 PS) | 1997 to 2004 |
| A 190 | 1,898 cc, 166.960 | petrol | 92 kW (125 PS) | 1999 to 2004 |
| A 210 Evolution | 2,084 cc, 166.995 | petrol | 103 kW (140 PS) | 2002 to 2004 |
| A 32K AMG | 3,199 cc | petrol | 260 kW (354 PS) | 2001 to 2003 |
| A 38 AMG | 1,898 cc | petrol | 186 kW (250 PS) | 2000 to 2002 |
| A 160 CDI | 1,689 cc, 668.941 | diesel | 44 kW (60 PS) | 1998 to 2001 |
| A 160 CDI (Modellpflege) | 1,689 cc, 668.940 red. | diesel | 55 kW (75 PS) | 2001 to 2004 |
| A 170 CDI | 1,689 cc, 668.940 | diesel | 66 kW (90 PS) | 1998 to 2001 |
| A 170 CDI (Modellpflege) | 1,689 cc, 668.942 | diesel | 70 kW (95 PS) | 2001 to 2004 |
| A 140 L | 1,397 cc, 166.940 | petrol | 60 kW (82 PS) | 2001 to 2004 |
| A 140 L (Automatik) | 1,598 cc, 166.960 red. | petrol | 60 kW (82 PS) | 2001 to 2004 |
| A 160 L | 1,598 cc, 166.960 | petrol | 75 kW (102 PS) | 2001 to 2004 |
| A 190 L | 1,898 cc, 166.960 | petrol | 92 kW (125 PS) | 2001 to 2004 |
| A 210 Evolution L | 2,084 cc, 166.995 | petrol | 103 kW (140 PS) | 2002 to 2004 |
| A 170 CDI L | 1,689 cc, 668.942 | diesel | 70 kW (95 PS) | 2001 to 2004 |
| Zebra | 50 kW (68 PS) | 1997 | ||
| HyPer | 92 kW (125 PS) | 1999 | ||
| Necar 3 | 50 kW (68 PS) | 1997 | ||
| Necar 4 | 70 kW (95 PS) | 1999 | ||
| Necar 4 Advanced | 75 kW (102 PS) | 2000 | ||
| Necar 5 | 75 kW (102 PS) | 2000 | ||
| Necar 5.2 | 75 kW (102 PS) | 2001 | ||
| F-Cell | 65 kW (87 PS) | 2003 |
Source: Mercedes-Benz Baureihe 168, de.wikipedia.org.
UK popularity & demand
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 Mercedes A Class wheel fitment a high-demand spec to keep in stock. It is one reason we track it here.
Source: DfT/DVLA licensed-vehicle statistics (VEH0124), matched to the AIWheelTech fitment database.
Dimensions
| Length | 3,575 to 3,776 mm |
| Width | 1,719 mm |
| Height | 1,575 to 1,603 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,423 to 2,593 mm |
Source: Mercedes-Benz Baureihe 168, de.wikipedia.org.
Body styles & production
| Produced | 1997–2004 |
| Units produced | 1,100,000 |
Factory colours
Trim levels
Reliability & owner notes
- Pros: Innovative design; Spacious interior
- Cons: Initial stability issues
- Common issues: Stability control system recalls