Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse 177 A 180 d, 116 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch (2018–2020)

Research for this car

• Generation guide Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177 (2018-2025): known problems and buying guide

  A middling buy with many recalls. Ask for proof that the brake and ESP campaigns were done, then test-drive the gearbox.

• Gearbox guide Mercedes 7G-DCT dual-clutch (724.0): problems, costs and what to check

  Smooth when serviced, but early cars judder and mechatronic or clutch repairs are costly. Buy on oil history and a cold test drive.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the generation guide

1. Ask a Mercedes dealer to check open campaigns by VIN. Check the brake fluid level and look for wet fluid at the rear brake hoses. Bad: low fluid, a wet hose, or no record of the 2018 rear-axle repair.
2. Press the brake pedal at a standstill. It should feel firm and not move sideways. Bad: a hard or loose pedal, or no record of the brake-pedal campaign.
3. Look for a brake or ESP warning light. A scanner reads ESP and ABS (anti-lock brakes) fault codes. Bad: a warning, or no record of the ESP unit replacement. Needs a scanner.
4. Ask for proof that the air conditioning drain-hose campaign was done. Run the A/C and check that it cools and the car starts without warnings. Bad: no proof, or electrical warnings. Needs a scanner for electrical fault memory.
5. On a cold test drive, pull away gently at low speed. Bad: jerks, a gearbox warning or limp mode (reduced power). A scanner reads gearbox fault codes.
6. Look around the turbocharger and its feed pipe for oil. Bad: oil on the turbo or its pipe.
7. Check the ISOFIX (child seat anchor) brackets on the rear seats, and ask for proof of the campaign on cars built in 2020. Bad: no proof for a car built July to September 2020.

From the gearbox guide

1. Clutch check (needs a scanner). Start cold, creep and pull away in 1st and 2nd, and hold on a hill. Judder, slip, or a vibration at a standstill with the brake on points to worn clutch plates. Read the clutch touch points (Kisspoint) in XENTRY, Mercedes' diagnostic software; K1 odd gears, K2 even. A value past the threshold means a new clutch.
2. Mechatronic scan (needs a scanner). Read all transmission codes, not just engine codes. A clean scan does not prove health: one 2014 CLA had no codes but still shook and once dropped into neutral. A stored code, a red warning or a limp-home episode means a control unit job.
3. Auxiliary oil pump warning. Ask whether a "Transmission malfunction" message appeared and cleared after gentle driving. A message that stays, or a "stop vehicle" warning, points to the auxiliary pump or control unit. Scan for codes.
4. Cold and warm road test. Drive in stop-go traffic and lift off in 1st and 2nd. Jerking that stays when warm, or shifts that hang under load, points to software, adaptation or clutch wear. Ask for the last software update.
5. Oil and filter records. Ask for invoices for the fluid and both filters, and for the adaptation reset after the last oil change. No record, black oil or metal fuzz on the drain plug means walk away or budget for a service. Dirty oil damages the control unit.

Running costs

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

ADAC versions