A-Class (W176) [Official] Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W176)

[scoobee888]

The new C coupe seems pretty nice.

We got to test drive the C300 coupe last weekend. It's a very nice car to drive - responsive and has plenty of grunt. Looks good from all angles, in particular from the rear. For what you get I think it's well priced and I'd buy one if I was after a coupe . But for now, I still love the A250 - it's a fun car to drive and easy to park around the city.

 

[OZ A250]

The new C coupe seems pretty nice.

I was lucky enough to get a C200 to drive whilst my car was being serviced. Its a completely different car to the A class, that's for sure.. It wasnt slow off the mark, but lacked the punch that the A250 has. Maybe a higher spec C class - C250 or something like that would be a bit more responsive. It was nice to jump back into the A class after driving the C. The A is easier to zip around in, esp when driving in city traffic. The C was nicely finished off inside, though not a heap of room in the back - i expected a bit more... They are priced right.

 

[Monster]

I was lucky enough to get a C200 to drive whilst my car was being serviced. Its a completely different car to the A class, that's for sure.. It wasnt slow off the mark, but lacked the punch that the A250 has. Maybe a higher spec C class - C250 or something like that would be a bit more responsive. It was nice to jump back into the A class after driving the C. The A is easier to zip around in, esp when driving in city traffic. The C was nicely finished off inside, though not a heap of room in the back - i expected a bit more... They are priced right.

I have driven both A250 and the C250 before, the performance felt pretty similar but the A250 definitely sounded way more sporty.

 

[scoobee888]

I have driven both A250 and the C250 before, the performance felt pretty similar but the A250 definitely sounded way more sporty.

It's evident that Mercedes had AMG worked its magic on the A250.

 

[Monster]

It's evident that Mercedes had AMG worked its magic on the A250.

I think so, and having the dual clutch gearbox helps too. I didn't drive it hard but it still felt like a go kart.

 

[joyjas77]

Hi guys, Sorry for such a long break in posting. Life, work and everything else got busy, although still is. Anyway, I'm coming close to owning my A-Class for 3 years this September. Still love to drive it. It has a few rattles and creeks that I will have to get checked out. I nearly updated it 6 months after owning it for an A45. Although at the moment that is not an option. Kicking myself over it but will just wait patiently.

Anyway I've got a question in regards to Bluetooth Audio on the Comand system (I got mine fully optioned so its got the HK audio). When I listen to a song over bluetooth audio I get short breaks in the song. I've used, iPhones 5S, 6S+, Android, iPads, it doesn't seem to matter I get these little breaks in audio and it annoys me to no end. Is that normal? Is this buffering or something that I should expect from bluetooth audio on my comand system or should I take it in to be fixed or updated or whatever? I recently drove a work Hyundai and the one thing I could say for it was that on a trip to Melbourne I might have got this type of issue once or twice. In my A250 I may get this sometimes 10 times in a song.

I also have a small issue that I hate as well, last service they said they couldn't find it. But sometimes when starting after the engine has cut out at the traffic lights it might start off and then the engine dies down a little before continuing on normally. The problem is this is fairly intermittent and doesn't happen very often. Has anyone else had an issue similar to this and had it fixed?

Also reading I would love to get my gearbox software updated. Probably have to push for this too.

Great to see this forum is still going strong.

 

[Monster]

I also have a small issue that I hate as well, last service they said they couldn't find it. But sometimes when starting after the engine has cut out at the traffic lights it might start off and then the engine dies down a little before continuing on normally.

Was the engine stop start function on when this happen?

 

[joyjas77]

Was the engine stop start function on when this happen?

Yes, I generally leave the engine stop/start function on. But I have noticed that sometimes it does it after I start the car and drive off. I might have gone for a drive somewhere parked and gone away for a while then come back start her up and then try to drive and I get a bit of hesitation. Rather annoying to me.

 

[scoobee888]

Hi guys, Sorry for such a long break in posting. Life, work and everything else got busy, although still is. Anyway, I'm coming close to owning my A-Class for 3 years this September. Still love to drive it. It has a few rattles and creeks that I will have to get checked out. I nearly updated it 6 months after owning it for an A45. Although at the moment that is not an option. Kicking myself over it but will just wait patiently.

Anyway I've got a question in regards to Bluetooth Audio on the Comand system (I got mine fully optioned so its got the HK audio). When I listen to a song over bluetooth audio I get short breaks in the song. I've used, iPhones 5S, 6S+, Android, iPads, it doesn't seem to matter I get these little breaks in audio and it annoys me to no end. Is that normal? Is this buffering or something that I should expect from bluetooth audio on my comand system or should I take it in to be fixed or updated or whatever? I recently drove a work Hyundai and the one thing I could say for it was that on a trip to Melbourne I might have got this type of issue once or twice. In my A250 I may get this sometimes 10 times in a song.

I also have a small issue that I hate as well, last service they said they couldn't find it. But sometimes when starting after the engine has cut out at the traffic lights it might start off and then the engine dies down a little before continuing on normally. The problem is this is fairly intermittent and doesn't happen very often. Has anyone else had an issue similar to this and had it fixed?

Also reading I would love to get my gearbox software updated. Probably have to push for this too.

Great to see this forum is still going strong.

My A250 is also coming up to 3 years in Sept. I use Bluetooth audio with iPhone 5 and Galaxy S6 and they both worked fine - have not missed a beat. Not sure if it could have something to do with the IOS or Android version. I did read about IOS 8 Bluetooth on iPhone 5 had issues with Merc audio 2.0.

I have not had any issues with mine - the only gripe I have is with the gearbox. At low speed it's a bit jerky at times - feels like it's searching for gears. On a few occasions the revs was over 3,000rpms in eco mode, travelling at less than 60km/hr. I haven't push hard for the software update because I had no proof prior but now that I learnt Oz just had he's updated and his car was built after mine, I will raise it with the service manager.

 

[joyjas77]

My A250 is also coming up to 3 years in Sept. I use Bluetooth audio with iPhone 5 and Galaxy S6 and they both worked fine - have not missed a beat. Not sure if it could have something to do with the IOS or Android version. I did read about IOS 8 Bluetooth on iPhone 5 had issues with Merc audio 2.0.

I have not had any issues with mine - the only gripe I have is with the gearbox. At low speed it's a bit jerky at times - feels like it's searching for gears. On a few occasions the revs was over 3,000rpms in eco mode, travelling at less than 60km/hr. I haven't push hard for the software update because I had no proof prior but now that I learnt Oz just had he's updated and his car was built after mine, I will raise it with the service manager.

Thanks Scoobee, I will definitely book mine in to have the audio sorted and I think the gearbox needs an update. I will try and get mine in once I've got a moment to spare.

 

[Thimmy]

Hi

Sorry to digress. Out of curiosity, I did a comparison of the standard specs (i.e. exclude options) in the pre and post facelift models based on online brochures provided by Mercedes Benz Australia's website that I would like to share with my fellow Forum members who might be thinking of changing their vehicle or buying a new one. Facelift specs are for vehicles post December 2015 production and Pre-Facelift specs are post September 2014 production. I have only included specs that are different (and obvious). Hope I have captured everything and that the info is useful. Just fed-up with journalist being a bit vague about what has really changed in their review of the new FL model.

Post FL
AUDIO 20 with 20.3cm (8") TFT colour display, single-disc CD player with MP3/WMA/ACC compatibility, AM/FM tuner and Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming (includes preinstallation for Garmin® MAP PILOT with SD card provided)
Phone and internet compatability, connectivity and capabilities differ between devices, markets and vehicles. Check the compatability of your device and vehicle in Australia at www.mercedes-benz-mobile.com
Pre FL
AUDIO 20 with 14.7cm colour display, single-disc CD changer, MP3/WMA/ACC compatibility, AM/FM tuner, Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming and telephone keypad

Post FL
Garmin® MAP PILOT navigation (Pre FL N/A)

Post FL
Honeycomb-look trim
Pre FL
Matrix trim

Post FL
MB Apps for Audio 20 (Pre FL N/A)

Post FL
Media interface featuring allowing iPod®/iPhone® connectivity, USB connectivity (2 ports in centre console) and 12V socket
Pre FL
Media interface featuring USB port and iPod®/iPhone® integration (cable included)

Post FL
Reversing camera with dynamic guidelines and improved 1800 wide angle visibility
Pre FL
Reversing camera with dynamic guidelines

Post FL
Multi-function 3-spoke steering wheel in leather
Pre FL
Steering wheel in nappa leather (Not sure about this. The word Nappa is missing in the post FL)

Post FL
Seat cushion length adjustment (Pre FL N/A)

Post FL
Smartphone integration (Apple CarPlayTM) from 12/15 production (Pre FL N/A)

Post FL (A180 and A200)
• 17-inch 5 twin-spoke alloy wheels (76R)
• 7G-DCT 7-speed automatic transmission with DYNAMIC SELECT
• Diamond radiator Grille in black with single-lamella in exterior colour
• LED daytime running lights (integrated)
Pre FL (A180 and A200)
• 17-inch 5 twin-spoke alloy wheels (R11)
• 7G-DCT 7-speed automatic transmission
• Twin louvre radiator grille in body colour and chrome trim
• Halogen headlamps with integrated daytime running lights

Post FL
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS with semi-autonomous braking function
Pre FL
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST

Post FL (A180 and A200)
• Checkerboard-look trim
Pre FL (A180 and A200)
• Diamond-pattern trim

Post FL (A250) and other specs on A180 and A200 where applicable
• 18-inch 5 spoke alloy wheels in bi-colour high-gloss black (52R)
• Diamond radiator Grille in black with single-lamella in silver
• Two-pipe exhaust system with trapeze-shaped tailpipes
Pre FL (A250) and other specs on A180 and A200 where applicable
• 18-inch 5 twin-spoke alloy wheels in bi-colour high-gloss black (R38)
• Twin louvre radiator grille in silver colour and chrome trim
• Two-pipe exhaust system with oval tailpipes in chrome look

Post FL (A250)
• Blind Spot Assist from 10/15 production (Pre FL N/A)



Post FL (A250) and other specs on A180 and A200 where applicable
• Ambient lightning
• Steering wheel in leather with perforated grip area and attened lower section

Pre FL (A250)
Again just the use of the word Nappa missing in Post FL specs
• Steering wheel in nappa leather with perforated grip area and attened lower section

Post FL (A250)
• 4MATIC all-wheel drive
• 18-inch AMG 5 Twin-spoke alloy wheels (637)
• AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with selective damping system (459)
• Full LED rear lamp cluster incl. Brake light & reversing light
• LED headlamps ( xed) with integrated LED daytime running lights and blue welcome light (631)
• Power output 160kw

Pre FL (A250)
• 18-inch AMG 5 spoke alloy wheels in bi-colour high-gloss black (774)
• Bi-xenon xed headlamps with red marker rings, integrated LED daytime running lights, headlamp cleaning system and LED tail lights
• Lowered sports suspension engineered by AMG
• Power output 155kw with 10kw temporary over boost

Enjoy.

 

[gun16]

Fantastic post mate, that is a gold mine for current and new owners. Bravo

 

[OZ A250]

Hi

Sorry to digress. Out of curiosity, I did a comparison of the standard specs (i.e. exclude options) in the pre and post facelift models based on online brochures provided by Mercedes Benz Australia's website that I would like to share with my fellow Forum members who might be thinking of changing their vehicle or buying a new one. Facelift specs are for vehicles post December 2015 production and Pre-Facelift specs are post September 2014 production. I have only included specs that are different (and obvious). Hope I have captured everything and that the info is useful. Just fed-up with journalist being a bit vague about what has really changed in their review of the new FL model.

Post FL
AUDIO 20 with 20.3cm (8") TFT colour display, single-disc CD player with MP3/WMA/ACC compatibility, AM/FM tuner and Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming (includes preinstallation for Garmin® MAP PILOT with SD card provided)
Phone and internet compatability, connectivity and capabilities differ between devices, markets and vehicles. Check the compatability of your device and vehicle in Australia at www.mercedes-benz-mobile.com
Pre FL
AUDIO 20 with 14.7cm colour display, single-disc CD changer, MP3/WMA/ACC compatibility, AM/FM tuner, Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming and telephone keypad

Post FL
Garmin® MAP PILOT navigation (Pre FL N/A)

Post FL
Honeycomb-look trim
Pre FL
Matrix trim

Post FL
MB Apps for Audio 20 (Pre FL N/A)

Post FL
Media interface featuring allowing iPod®/iPhone® connectivity, USB connectivity (2 ports in centre console) and 12V socket
Pre FL
Media interface featuring USB port and iPod®/iPhone® integration (cable included)

Post FL
Reversing camera with dynamic guidelines and improved 1800 wide angle visibility
Pre FL
Reversing camera with dynamic guidelines

Post FL
Multi-function 3-spoke steering wheel in leather
Pre FL
Steering wheel in nappa leather (Not sure about this. The word Nappa is missing in the post FL)

Post FL
Seat cushion length adjustment (Pre FL N/A)

Post FL
Smartphone integration (Apple CarPlayTM) from 12/15 production (Pre FL N/A)

Post FL (A180 and A200)
• 17-inch 5 twin-spoke alloy wheels (76R)
• 7G-DCT 7-speed automatic transmission with DYNAMIC SELECT
• Diamond radiator Grille in black with single-lamella in exterior colour
• LED daytime running lights (integrated)
Pre FL (A180 and A200)
• 17-inch 5 twin-spoke alloy wheels (R11)
• 7G-DCT 7-speed automatic transmission
• Twin louvre radiator grille in body colour and chrome trim
• Halogen headlamps with integrated daytime running lights

Post FL
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS with semi-autonomous braking function
Pre FL
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST

Post FL (A180 and A200)
• Checkerboard-look trim
Pre FL (A180 and A200)
• Diamond-pattern trim

Post FL (A250) and other specs on A180 and A200 where applicable
• 18-inch 5 spoke alloy wheels in bi-colour high-gloss black (52R)
• Diamond radiator Grille in black with single-lamella in silver
• Two-pipe exhaust system with trapeze-shaped tailpipes
Pre FL (A250) and other specs on A180 and A200 where applicable
• 18-inch 5 twin-spoke alloy wheels in bi-colour high-gloss black (R38)
• Twin louvre radiator grille in silver colour and chrome trim
• Two-pipe exhaust system with oval tailpipes in chrome look

Post FL (A250)
• Blind Spot Assist from 10/15 production (Pre FL N/A)



Post FL (A250) and other specs on A180 and A200 where applicable
• Ambient lightning
• Steering wheel in leather with perforated grip area and attened lower section

Pre FL (A250)
Again just the use of the word Nappa missing in Post FL specs
• Steering wheel in nappa leather with perforated grip area and attened lower section

Post FL (A250)
• 4MATIC all-wheel drive
• 18-inch AMG 5 Twin-spoke alloy wheels (637)
• AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with selective damping system (459)
• Full LED rear lamp cluster incl. Brake light & reversing light
• LED headlamps ( xed) with integrated LED daytime running lights and blue welcome light (631)
• Power output 160kw

Pre FL (A250)
• 18-inch AMG 5 spoke alloy wheels in bi-colour high-gloss black (774)
• Bi-xenon xed headlamps with red marker rings, integrated LED daytime running lights, headlamp cleaning system and LED tail lights
• Lowered sports suspension engineered by AMG
• Power output 155kw with 10kw temporary over boost

Enjoy.

Good on ya Thimmy! Thanks for the post.. I think i might be upgrading next year based on those changes..

 

[scoobee888]

Attached are the full spec datasheets for the pre and post FL models.

 

[Thimmy]

Great stuff Scobee888. I was told by the local Benz dealer that the only difference between the June 2013 specs and the September 2014 spec vehicle was the introduction of Keyless Go.

 

[MTBRider]

Hi it's been a while. But just picked up my my March 16 build A250. Still have the 2013 if anyone is interested. However what a difference 3 years makes in build quality. The car feels so much more sorted and put together much better no squeaks and rattles and so much nicer inside with little chrome touches from the flippy shifters and dash button cluster to the little seats on the door and around the pop up openings on the console. I am loving the new car PS went white this time. Very much finished inside like a high end high cost merc. As a daily driver I think I will enjoy the car even more with the dynamic suspension it is fantastic. The comfort setting is so so much better and with the flick of a switch to comfort mode it makes this car comfortable and removes all the billy cart jarring. I'm surprised at just how plush it is compared to 2013 and still very good handling. Went up Mount Tamborine in comfort mode up the back way from Canungra and still stuck to the road like glue. This upgrade is worth it alone. The 4matic won't get tested just yet nor sport until after 1500 kms but just a few squirts shows the car has lost nothing from the old one in terms of exhaust noise and get up and go. The new screen is also great as I was a bit concerned in the size. Quality is a step up as is the reversing camera. The keyless entry is also much better than having to get my keys out and then having them all rattle against each other when you drive. They have improved the handbrake as it comes on automatically now when you open the drivers door and the auto release is so much better as well. This is the very first time I have purchased the same car as my preceding one and I have no regrets it's still fantastic but with all the bits that annoyed you fixed. All I can think of at the moment but no doubt as I learn more about this car I will discover more so whoever the dealer was that said there's no difference except the key don't know shit.

 

[Monster]

@MTBRider congrats on your new car mate ! Please share some pics, do you have your two cars side by side? Also are you going to apply any paint protection on your car?

 

[MTBRider]

@MTBRider congrats on your new car mate ! Please share some pics, do you have your two cars side by side? Also are you going to apply any paint protection on your car?

Yes Scrubs are doing the paint protection on Thursday. They promise it will pop like the Jupiter Red. Hope so it still looks great after 3 years. Will post some pics of the new one after Thursday. This is the 2013. Still looks like new.

 

[Monster]

Yes Scrubs are doing the paint protection on Thursday. They promise it will pop like the Jupiter Red. Hope so it still looks great after 3 years. Will post some pics of the new one after Thursday. This is the 2013. Still looks like new.

Your car looks spotless, indeed it does look brand new. How often do you clean/wash it?

 

[joyjas77]

Only recently I noticed that I had a small scrape on the underside of the front bumper on my A250. My heart sank as I couldn't remember getting close enough to anything. But put it down to going to Optus to report my phone lost after coming back from overseas 5 weeks ago. 30 hrs no sleep I figure it must have made me a little more careless. I did notice that I had come very close to the gutter at that time. But anyway this morning I went for a morning coffee and when coming back noticed I was sitting either so close to the gutter or on the gutter slightly, couldn't quite tell and I wasn't going to lie down in the street to check it out. Anyway after a quick look once I got where I was going, I noticed that underneath I have had a few little scrapes under the front. All out of view but these account for times I've obviously come out of driveways etc or even I thought once I scraped on a main road in the town I live but couldn't see the scrapes (obviously it scraped further underneath than I looked after parking). Anyway believe me I'm careful with my baby.

Anyway as I think most of these are probably unavoidable, would any of you guys think it is worth getting these things fixed? I should mention the scrape that I noticed initially is seeable from standing, you don't need to nearly lie on the ground to see it. I should probably upload a picture or two so you can judge it better. I will probably at some point do what MTB Rider did and upgrade my baby to a newer model, hopefully an A45 once my divorce and settlement are final.

Anyway just after some opinions.