MercedesBenz A-Class 160 CDI Engine Replacement - Compare Prices & Get Quotes
Get quotes today from trusted UK Mercedes-Benz A-Class 160 CDI engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used engines for your A160 CDI - supply & fit available nationwide.
Supply & Fit Available
12-Month Warranty
Nationwide Delivery
100+ Suppliers

From £800 to £3,800
Used from £350 · Reconditioned from £800 · Common codes: OM668.941, OM640.942, OM607.951
From £350
Tested, bare/short engine
From £800
Rod bearings addressed, tested
From quote
Upgraded bearings, full teardown, revised valvetrain

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3 Simple Steps3 Simple Stepsto Finding the Best Mercedes-Benz A-Class 160 CDI Replacement Engineto Finding the Best Mercedes-Benz A-Class 160 CDI Replacement Engine
Most replacements completed within 3-5 days.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class 160 CDI - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The A160 CDI badge represents the entry-level diesel option across three generations of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, evolving from the original OM668 1.7-litre in the W168 to the OM640 2.0-litre in the W169, and finally to the Renault-sourced OM607 1.5-litre in the W176 facelift. It has consistently been the most fuel-efficient diesel in the A-Class range.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class 160 CDI - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The A160 CDI badge represents the entry-level diesel option across three generations of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, evolving from the original OM668 1.7-litre in the W168 to the OM640 2.0-litre in the W169, and finally to the Renault-sourced OM607 1.5-litre in the W176 facelift. It has consistently been the most fuel-efficient diesel in the A-Class range.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class 160 CDI
Engine History Timeline
OM668 DE 17 A (668.941) 1.7L diesel, 60 hp (44 kW) - W168 A160 CDI launch; Mercedes' first common-rail diesel in a compact car; 160 Nm torque
Facelift with revised engine management; power remains 60 hp; emissions improved
OM640 DE 20 LA (640.942) 2.0L diesel, 82 hp (60 kW) - W169 A160 CDI launch; 60 kW output
Facelift with stop/start system; power remains 82 hp
W176 generation launches; A160 CDI initially not available in UK
OM607 D 15 R (607.951) 1.5L diesel, 90 hp (66 kW) - W176 A160 CDI facelift launch; Renault K9K-sourced engine with timing belt
A160 CDI badge discontinued; replaced by A180d
Key Specs Snapshot
Every engine fitted to the Mercedes-Benz A-Class 160 CDI is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class 160 CDI Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement CostMercedes-Benz A-Class 160 CDI Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement Cost
1.7L Diesel (1998-2004)
Compatible Trim Levels
- A160 CDI (W168)
- A160 CDI Classic
- A160 CDI Elegance
- A160 CDI Avantgarde

Find your exact engine code, specs and UK replacement cost guide.
Used
Tested, ready-to-fit engine
£350-£800
Reconditioned
Addressed known issues, tested
£800-£1,600
Rebuilt
Full teardown, upgraded internals
£1,200-£2,200
Common Failure
The OM668 is Mercedes' first common-rail diesel in a compact car. Injector seal failure is the most commonly reported issue, leading to combustion gas blow-by and poor cold starting. Turbocharger wear and glow plug corrosion are also common on higher-mileage units.


The A160 CDI has been powered by three different diesel engines across its production life - the original OM668 1.7-litre (W168), the OM640 2.0-litre (W169), and the Renault-sourced OM607 1.5-litre (W176). Each has distinct failure patterns. Rebuilt A160 CDI engines through EnginesMarket include upgraded components addressing the original failure points, plus a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty.

Why the W168 and W169 A160 CDI Rattles on Cold Start
Affected Vehicles
Mercedes-Benz A-Class 160 CDI (OM668.941 and OM640.942, W168 and W169, 1998-2012)
Typical Failure Mileage
100,000-180,000 miles
Root Cause
Both the OM668 and OM640 use timing chains designed to last the lifetime of the engine, but wear and stretching can occur as the vehicle ages. A loose or stretched timing chain can throw off the engine's timing, leading to poor performance and increased fuel consumption. Owners often notice a rattling sound, particularly when starting the engine.
Why It Happens
Both the OM668 and OM640 use timing chains designed to last the lifetime of the engine, but wear and stretching can occur as the vehicle ages. A loose or stretched timing chain can throw off the engine's timing, leading to poor performance and increased fuel consumption. Owners often notice a rattling sound, particularly when starting the engine.
Dealer (parts + labour)
£1,800-£2,800
Specialist (parts + labour)
£1,200-£1,800
What it involves
Replace timing chain, tensioner, guides
Suitability
Viable if caught early
Dealer (parts + labour)
£3,500-£5,000
Specialist (parts + labour)
£1,500-£2,800
What it involves
Complete engine with new chain and upgraded components
Suitability
Required if chain has jumped or engine is badly worn
| Repair Tier | Dealer (Parts + Labour) | Specialist (Parts + Labour) | What It Involves | Suitability | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Timing Chain & Tensioner Replacement Minor | £1,800-£2,800 | £1,200-£1,800 | Replace timing chain, tensioner, guides | Viable if caught early | |
Full Replacement - rebuilt OM668/OM640 engine Best Value | £3,500-£5,000 | £1,500-£2,800 | Complete engine with new chain and upgraded components | Required if chain has jumped or engine is badly worn |
Vehicle Value Check
Vehicle Value Check
A typical W168 A160 CDI is worth £800-£2,500, while a W169 A160 CDI is worth £1,500-£4,000 depending on condition and mileage. For W168 vehicles, a full engine replacement often exceeds the car's value - a used engine or targeted repair is usually more economical. For W169 vehicles in good condition, a rebuilt OM640 with warranty (£1,500-£2,800) can be a worthwhile investment.
Our Recommendation
Our Recommendation
If you hear a rattling noise from the engine on cold starts - especially on higher-mileage W168 or W169 models - have the timing system inspected immediately. A preventative chain replacement at a specialist saves thousands compared to waiting for failure. Routine oil changes with high-quality oils can help prolong the timing chain's life.

Don't Let Engine Failure Write Off Your Mercedes-Benz A-Class 160 CDI
Engine failure doesn't always mean the end of the road for your A160 CDI. Whether your OM668 needs a timing chain replacement, your OM640 has oil leaks, your OM607 needs a new timing belt, or a full rebuild is required, EnginesMarket makes it simple to compare prices from trusted UK Mercedes-Benz A-Class 160 CDI specialists. Every rebuilt engine supplied through our network includes upgraded components designed to address the original failure point - plus a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty with nationwide delivery. Compare prices today and get back on the road without the main dealer premium.
Compare rebuilt OM668 and OM640 Mercedes-Benz A-Class 160 CDI engine prices
Important Information
Important Information
"All prices are indicative UK market ranges based on historical quote data and repair requests from our network of engine specialists. Dealer pricing is estimated based on published main dealer labour rates and genuine OEM parts pricing. Specialist pricing reflects actual quote data from EnginesMarket's UK network. Actual costs vary depending on damage severity, vehicle condition, variant, and workshop location within the UK. Use our free comparison tool to get tailored quotes for your specific Mercedes-Benz A-Class 160 CDI. Every engine supplied through EnginesMarket carries a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty - always confirm exact terms with your chosen supplier."
Mercedes-Benz A-Class 160 CDI Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does a Mercedes-Benz A-Class 160 CDI engine replacement cost in the UK-
A replacement engine for an A160 CDI typically costs between £350 and £3,800 depending on the engine code and condition. Used OM668 units start from £350-£800, reconditioned from £800-£1,600, and fully rebuilt OM607 engines from £2,200-£3,800. Labour for supply & fit adds £400-£800.
- Used OM668 (W168 A160 CDI): £350-£800
- Rebuilt OM640 (W169 A160 CDI): £1,500-£2,800
- Rebuilt OM607 (W176 A160 CDI): £2,200-£3,800
Question 2Does the Mercedes-Benz A-Class 160 CDI have a timing belt or timing chain-
It depends on the engine. The OM668 (W168, 1998-2004) and OM640 (W169, 2004-2012) use timing chains designed to last the lifetime of the engine. The OM607 (W176 facelift, 2013-2015) is a Renault-sourced engine with a timing belt that must be replaced every 80,000-100,000 miles. Enter your registration above to confirm which engine is fitted to your car.
- OM668/OM640: timing chain - durable, no scheduled replacement
- OM607: timing belt - replace every 80k-100k miles
- Belt failure is catastrophic - do not exceed the interval
Question 3What are the signs of timing chain wear in a Mercedes-Benz A-Class 160 CDI-
On OM668 and OM640 engines (W168 and W169), the most common symptom is a rattling noise from the engine on cold start. Other signs include poor performance, increased fuel consumption, and the engine management light illuminating. If you hear any unusual sounds, have the timing system inspected immediately.
- Cold-start rattle from the timing cover area
- Poor performance and reduced fuel economy
- Engine management light activation
Question 4Is it worth replacing the engine in a Mercedes-Benz A-Class 160 CDI-
It depends on the generation and condition. A W168 A160 CDI is typically worth £800-£2,500 - a full engine replacement often exceeds the car's value, making a used engine or targeted repair more economical. A W169 A160 CDI is worth £1,500-£4,000 - a rebuilt OM640 engine (£1,500-£2,800) can be a worthwhile investment if the car is in good condition. A W176 A160 CDI is worth £4,000-£8,000 - a rebuilt OM607 engine is usually within the car's value.
- W168 (1998-2004): used engine or targeted repair
- W169 (2004-2012): rebuilt OM640 viable for good condition cars
- W176 (2013-2015): rebuilt OM607 usually justifies cost
Question 5What causes the Mercedes-Benz A-Class 160 CDI to lose power-
Power loss in the A160 CDI can be caused by several issues depending on the engine. On OM668 and OM640 engines, timing chain wear can cause cam timing drift, reducing power. Clogged fuel injectors can lead to poor engine performance. On OM607 engines, a failing timing belt can cause timing drift. A diagnostic check with Mercedes STAR or compatible equipment is essential to identify the exact cause.
- Timing chain wear (OM668/OM640) - rattling + power loss
- Clogged injectors - rough idling and misfires
- Timing belt wear (OM607) - power loss + risk of failure
Question 6What is the difference between the OM668, OM640 and OM607 engines in the A160 CDI-
The OM668 is a 1.7-litre Mercedes-designed diesel used in the W168 A160 CDI (1998-2004), producing 60 hp with a timing chain. The OM640 is a 2.0-litre Mercedes-designed diesel used in the W169 A160 CDI (2004-2012), producing 82 hp with a timing chain. The OM607 is a 1.5-litre Renault K9K-sourced diesel used in the W176 A160 CDI (2013-2015), producing 90 hp with a timing belt.
- OM668: 1.7L, 60 hp, timing chain, W168 (1998-2004)
- OM640: 2.0L, 82 hp, timing chain, W169 (2004-2012)
- OM607: 1.5L, 90 hp, timing belt, W176 (2013-2015)
Compare Mercedes-Benz A-Class 160 CDIEngine PricesToday
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Comparing quotes for your A160 CDI is free, no-obligation, and specific to your exact OM668.941, OM640.942 or OM607.951 engine code and generation. Our vetted UK specialists provide transparent pricing on used, reconditioned and rebuilt engines - with a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty on every rebuilt unit. Enter your registration above, compare prices, and choose the right engine for your A-Class today.

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