This car has a major problem with its timing chain. It can slip and cause immense engine damage (Piston cracks, Valves Bent, etc). It is very costly to fix. I would recommend anyone who has one to get the chain replaced at 50,000 miles. It happened my 2003 one at 65,000 miles. I was in touch wih Mercedes and they acknowledged it was a problem. Unfortunately it was out of warrenty. You get no warning despite a diagnostic computer system installed in the car. I would definitely not recommend this car. I have also been told by people in the car industry that it has happened to thousands of these models. Mercedes are not helpful and will fight you all the way to the court steps, which is very costly, before admiting liability.
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Mercedes A-Class - Hatchback - Front (FWD) - 6 Speed - (Man) / Autotronic - (Auto) - 1992 cc - Max Speed: 116 mph - 109 bhp - Diesel - Available Trims: Elegance SE, Classic SE, Classic, Avantgarde SE, Long