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Top 15 Upgrades – Mercedes-Benz A-Class 1997-2004 (W168)

The Mercedes-Benz W168 A-Class was the first model of the A-class produced between 1997 and 2004. Therefore had a lot of room for improvement. In this article, we will go over the 15 most popular modifications.

Mercedes A-Class W168 Android DVD Player GPS (eBay link)

mercedes-a-class-w168-android-5-1-gps-sat-nav-head-unit-wifi-dab-stereo-radio-hdThe standard W168 head unit is very dated, so replacing it should be the first thing on your list of modifications. For example, the old head unit still comes with a cassette player! Unless you have a soft spot for your old cassettes, you, like me, will beg for a Bluetooth connection. This is where the Android 5.1 GPS head unit comes in, with integrated 3G WIFI and DAB radio. You won’t feel like you are driving around in the stone Age anymore. So change your head unit and bring your music back to the 21st century.


JBL GTO629 Series 180W 6.5″ 2-Way Coaxial Car Audio Speakers w/ Grilles (Pair) (eBay link)

car-audio-speakers-upgrade-a-class-w168The next thing that is needed for an upgrade is those standard speakers. The old ones were fine for listening to cassettes but not so much for the latest bass-heavy chart music. These JBL speakers are amazing, especially if you like your bass. They are very easy to install and very good value for money. As upgrades go, investing in a good pair of speakers will surely improve your driving experience.


Aluminum Pedal Pad Cover For MERCEDES BENZ W168 (eBay link)

aluminum-pedal-pad-cover-for-mercedes-benz-w168Another very popular upgrade is to the gas and brake pedals. The standard brake pedals are very dull and old-fashioned. What you want is something with an increased grip and feel. These aluminum pedal covers are well-suited to the W168. Once installed, they add some much-needed brightness to the otherwise drab interior.


ANGEL EYES Mercedes Benz A-Klasse (eBay link)

angel-eyes-mercedes-benz-a-klasse-w176The best modification you can install on the W168 is angle eyes lights. The standard bulbs are nothing more than functional, whereas the angel eyes are full of character. What makes this modification so popular is the ease with which you can install them. You don’t need to pay a mechanic to install them for you. All you need are a couple of screwdrivers and some elbow grease.


Chrome Door Mirror Cover For Mercedes Benz W168 (eBay link)

chrome-door-mirror-cover-for-mercedes-benz-w168Chrome Door Mirrors make for a cool upgrade to the W168. The Chrome finish highlights the front profile very well. It also stands out from the rest as it isn’t a common addition. They also protect the door mirror, meaning it will last much longer.


Mercedes Benz W168 A-Class grill facelift
(eBay link)

mercedes-a-class-w168-front-grill-upgrade-face-liftUpgrading the front profile of the standard W168 is where you will get the most value for money. The standard grill is getting old now and in need of a facelift. This is where this genuine chrome grill comes in. The chrome finish adds a touch of class to the front profile. They also go very well with the angel eyes upgrade.


MERCEDES A CLASS W168 ROOF SPOILER (eBay link)

roof-spoiler-a168Adding a roof spoiler to your W168 is a great way to toughen up its looks. The W168 has a very passive-looking rear profile, so the roof spoiler is a welcome upgrade. The spoiler won’t interfere with the visibility or negatively affect your car’s performance. It has been known to improve overall stability. This rear spoiler comes primed and ready to be painted to suit your current color scheme.

Mercedes W168 A Class Lorinser Rear Bumper (eBay link)

rear-bumper-a-class-w168Once you have added a rear spoiler, the next thing on your list should be the rear bumper. Here you have a genuine Lorinser rear bumper. Lorinser is a very popular brand when it comes to Mercedes Benz modifications. They have had many years in the business, and all of their parts come with a trustworthy guarantee. If I had to pick the best rear bumper available on the market today, it would have to be the Lorinser.


Mercedes Benz W168 Ultra Racing Front Lower bar (eBay link)

mercedes-benz-a160-w168-ultra-racing-front-lower-barHigh-speed stability isn’t the first word that comes to mind when looking at a W168. That’s because Mercedes-Benz wasn’t trying to make a sports car when they first produced the W168. But later on, when they produced the A210, we saw that it could be made a lot sportier with a few modifications. Now you don’t have to buy an A210 to enjoy the same sort of sporty handling. These ultra-racing sway bars will immediately improve your car’s overall handling.

SLOTTED brake disc rotors rear for Mercedes A160 A190 W168 (eBay link)

slotted-brake-disc-rotors-rear-for-mercedes-a160-a190-w168Another great way to improve your car’s performance is to upgrade the brakes. Beware, the last thing you want to do is go out and get a worse pair than your original ones, so you must choose wisely. These Bremaxx slotted brake disc rotors are a very good mid-range option. Buying the most expensive setup is unnecessary when a mid-range set will be good enough. The Bremaxx set has the added “claw” design to the grooves, which helps eliminate heat gasses.

A-Class W168 RaceChip Ultimate – Performance Upgrade (eBay link)

racechip-ultimateThe quickest way to get some great speed out of your W168 is with a racing chip. As it doesn’t require any major physical modifications to the car, it’s also the cheapest way to get more power out of your engine. The RaceChip Ultimate gives you 31% more and up to 1L/100km less fuel consumption. That means that you will be getting more performance with cheaper mileage. These chips are individually adjustable, so you will surely have the perfect setup for your car.

Lowering springs Mercedes A-Class W168 35/35mm 5GO (eBay link)

lowering-springs-for-w168Lowering springs are a very popular modification among young owners of a W168. The springs give your car a lower and more aggressive stance. They also help to increase overall stability. These H&R lowering springs are amongst the best that money can buy. They come powder coated to enhance the appearance and protect against erosion.


Mercedes Benz W168 A-Klasse Mercedes Benz Coilover (eBay link)

w168-coiloverIf you really want to take your W168 to the next level, you will need a set of coilovers. Coilovers will greatly improve your cornering performance. They also make the care more stable at speed. This particular set also comes with a certification of authenticity.


Mercedes W168 A-class Rims (eBay link)

a-class-w168-rimsThe rims are usually the first things that are changed on the W168. The standard rims aren’t good enough once you consider modifying the car. When you are going out to look for a set, make sure to get the 16” versions. This set of 16” alloy rims looks very good on the W168. The 5-spoke design will also allow you to show off your modified brakes.


Carbon LED Side Mirrors (eBay link)

carbon-led-side-mirrors-w168Carbon elements are popular, and these side mirrors are easy to add to your front profile. These side mirrors come with an arrow design LED indicator. The arrow design can be seen on the latest Mercedes Benz models. This will add a more modern look to your W168. If carbon isn’t your style, you can always paint it to suit your car.

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