Mercedes-Benz · W176 · 2012-2018
Mercedes-Benz A Serisi A180 CDI specs and common problems
The Mercedes A180 CDI uses a Mercedes-coded version (OM607) of Renault's K9K engine. So its EGR, injector and DPF issues are similar to the Megane diesel's; the gearbox is the 7G-DCT dual-clutch.
01 / 07
How much oil does the A Serisi A180 CDI take?
The A Serisi A180 CDI takes about 4.5 litres of 5W-30 engine oil including the filter. Approval to look for on the bottle: MB 229.51 / 229.52.
- Approval
- MB 229.51 / 229.52
- Alternative
- 0W-30
- Manual 6-speed
- 75W-80 · ≈ 2.0 L
- 7G-DCT
- MB 236.21 · ≈ 1.7 L
- Coolant
- Glaceol RX Type D 50/50 · ≈ 5.5 L
- Brake fluid
- DOT 4
02 / 07
Timing belt and maintenance
In practice 120,000 km / 5 years
Belt, tensioner, idler and water pump are replaced as a kit. If the belt snaps, the engine is badly damaged.
The water pump is driven by the timing belt, so it should be replaced at the same time.
- Oil change
- 10,000-15,000 km or once a year
- Glow plug
- 4 pcs · If hard starting in the cold appears
- Valves / tappets
- Hydraulic tappets, no adjustment needed.
- Fuel filter
- 30,000 km
- Power
- 109 hp @ 4,000 rpm
- Torque
- 260 Nm @ 1,750 rpm
- Displacement
- 1,461 cc
- Fuel
- Diesel · Turbo, intercooler
- Valvetrain
- SOHC 8V
- Injection
- Common-rail direct injection
- Transmission
- 6-speed manual / 7-speed 7G-DCT dual-clutch
- Emissions
- Euro 5 / Euro 6 (DPF)
03 / 07
Tyre size and pressure
- Original size
- 205/55 R16
- Alternative sizes
- 225/45 R17 · 225/40 R18
- Bolt pattern (PCD)
- 5x112
- Centre bore
- 66.6 mm
- Wheel
- 6.5J x 16 ET49
04 / 07
Is the A Serisi A180 CDI suitable for LPG?
- Classic LPG conversions are not done on diesel engines.
05 / 07
A Serisi A180 CDI common problems and fixes
- #01
EGR valve sooting
Medium Risk60,000-120,000 km
- Symptom:
- Flat spot when accelerating in gear, black smoke, limp mode, P0401.
- Cause:
- Short city trips and extended oil change intervals.
- Proper fix:
- The EGR valve and passage are removed, cleaned and adapted. Replaced if the valve motor is faulty.
- #02
Injector failure
High RiskAfter 150,000 km
- Symptom:
- Hard starting, knocking at idle, blue-white smoke, P0087.
- Cause:
- Poor-quality fuel and a neglected diesel filter.
- Proper fix:
- Return test and flow measurement, rebuild and coding of the faulty injector.
- #03
Crank pulley (damper) failure
High RiskAfter 100,000 km
- Symptom:
- Ticking from the front of the engine, auxiliary belt wobbling, charging light.
- Cause:
- The rubber layer in the pulley ageing.
- Proper fix:
- The crank pulley and auxiliary belt are replaced. If left, the snapped belt can damage the timing belt.
06 / 07
Common fault codes on the A Serisi A180 CDI
07 / 07
Frequently asked questions
How much engine oil does the A Serisi A180 CDI take?
The A Serisi A180 CDI (OM607 (K9K)) takes about 4.5 litres of engine oil including the filter. Recommended viscosity is 5W-30; look for the MB 229.51 / 229.52 approval. Check the level on the dipstick after filling.
When should the timing belt on the A Serisi A180 CDI be replaced?
This engine uses a timing belt. In practice 120,000 km / 5 years. Belt, tensioner, idler and water pump are replaced as a kit. If the belt snaps, the engine is badly damaged.
What tyre pressure should the A Serisi A180 CDI run?
With the original 205/55 R16 tyres, 33 PSI front and 33 PSI rear are recommended at normal load, and 36 front / 42 rear at full load. The exact values are on the door pillar or fuel flap sticker.
Is the A Serisi A180 CDI suitable for LPG?
Not suitable, diesel engine. Classic LPG conversions are not done on diesel engines.
What are the common problems of the A Serisi A180 CDI?
The best-known problems are: EGR valve sooting, Injector failure, Crank pulley (damper) failure. The symptoms and fix for each are explained on this page.
Other Mercedes-Benz models
Values are approximate and may vary by engine and VIN. Check against your service manual before doing any work. ·