A140 Death

[TheJim]

Hello chaps.

Well, looks like my Dad's A140 has finally carked it. After many, many problems, it is now making highly ominous noises. Difficult to pin down, but the frequency changes with engine speed- the rattle is roughly half the speed of the revs. So maybe the crank shaft pulley bearings/ something in the big end? Either which way, engine stripdown territory and therefore getting more than the car is worth.

Goodbye A class.

Goodbye Mercedes as far as my parents are concerned, can't say I blame them. The ****** thing has only done 60,000 miles.

Thank god I've got a proper Merc!

So if anyone needs a novelty planter for their garden, my parents have just the thing.........

 

[Sprint'n'Go]

I have a similar low opinion of the A class. bought one for the wife a couple of years ago. We took our time to choose one as there was plenty to choose from. Must have looked at about a dozen or so and was about to give up as they all seemed to be on or around 50k but looked and drove as if they had done 150k. Some of the interiors were shocking and were wearing very badly. throw in noisy wheel bearings, wobbly brakes and dodgy clutches and you get the idea. Anyway, we saw an Ad for a 98 A170 CDI in Penrith, one owner from new, etc..... It sounded great and after speaking to the owner we decided to make the trip from Manchester and have a look. It was fantastic and apart from a few stone chips it was as close to showroom condition as you could get (he even had rubber mats over the optional Merc carpet mats) He was also desperate to sell as he had refused the trade-in insult from Merc and decided to try his luck as a private seller. His shiny new ML was sat on the drive so the 'A' had to go and we got a bargain..........
The trouble soon started. Anti roll bushes, suspension bushes, auxiliary heater, creaky seats, noises from rear suspension when going over speed humps. After 12 months I was itching to sell but the wife loved it and i had to wait another 6 months before I convinced her to part with it. We changed to a 2001 1.8CD astra estate with 60k on the clock and came away almost a £1000 better off. 2 yrs later all I have had to do is wash it and service it. Thats how ownership should be.