Reconditioned Mercedes A-Class Gearbox

9 engine codes for the Classe A: which gearbox fits your engine?

The Classe A spans the W168, W169 and W176 generations, from 2004 to 2018, and its five engine variants share no gearboxes. The engine code stamped on your block is the only reliable piece of information for identifying the correct compatible part. This guide covers 9 distinct engine codes spread across diesel and petrol families, with no crossover possible between them.

Diesel: three families, three different gearboxes

The 2.0 CDI is the only engine in this guide that can take two types of gearbox: a 6-speed or a 5-speed, depending on the year and exact variant. The codes OM640, OM640.940, OM640.941 and OM640.942 refer to different versions of the same block, but the associated gearbox may vary — checking the full code avoids an ordering mistake. The 1.7 CDI (codes OM668.940 and OM668.942, also referenced as OM668 DE17LA) is paired exclusively with a 5-speed manual, as is the 1.5 dCi, which is coupled to a 6-speed. The 1.5 dCi is a Renault block fitted to the W176 under an industrial partnership: its gearbox has no connection with the Mercedes gearboxes found in the same vehicle.

Petrol: M266 and M270, two unrelated generations

The 1.6 (code M270.910) belongs to the W176 generation and is paired with a 5-speed manual specific to that architecture. The 2.0 petrol (codes M266.960 and M266.980) is fitted to the earlier W168/W169 generations with a differently designed 5-speed manual. These two petrol engine families are not interchangeable: the full engine code — M266 or M270 — is the only valid means of identification; engine capacity alone is not sufficient.