Change Car Glow Plugs Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Change Car Glow Plugs

Intermediate 1h30–6h00 ~150–600£
Estimated time 1h30–6h00
Estimated labour cost ~150–600£
Difficulty Intermediate
Vehicles
A-Class 1998-2005 4
  • 160 CDI Diesel (668.940)
  • 160 CDI Diesel (668.941)
  • 170 CDI Diesel (668.940)
  • 170 CDI, -L Diesel (668.942)
A-Class 2005-2012 3
  • 160 CDI Diesel (640.942)
  • 180 CDI Diesel (640.940)
  • 200 CDI Diesel (640.941)
A-Class 2012-2018 7
  • 160 CDI Diesel (607.951 (K9K))
  • 180 CDI Diesel (607.951 (K9K))
  • 180 CDI Diesel (651.901)
  • 200 CDI Diesel (651.901)
  • 200 CDI, -4MATIC Diesel (651.930)
  • 220 CDI, -4MATIC Diesel (651.930)
  • 220 D Diesel (651.930)
A-Class 2018-2025 5
  • 160d Diesel (608.915)
  • 180d Diesel (608.915 (K9K))
  • 180d Diesel (654.920)
  • 200d Diesel (654.920)
  • 220d Diesel (654.920)

What is the role of Mercedes-Benz A-Class glow plugs?

Glow plugs are used in diesel engines to preheat the combustion chamber before starting, particularly in cold weather. Unlike petrol engines that use spark plugs to ignite the fuel, diesel engines rely on compression ignition. Modern glow plugs also remain active after starting to reduce emissions and noise during the warm-up phase.

When should you change your Mercedes-Benz A-Class glow plugs?

Generally, glow plugs last between 80,000 and 160,000 km. Symptoms of failing glow plugs include: difficulty starting in cold weather, white or grey exhaust smoke on start-up, rough idle during warm-up, the glow plug warning light remaining illuminated, and increased fuel consumption.

How do I know if the Mercedes-Benz A-Class glow plugs need changing?

Via the EOBD diagnostic system, faulty glow plugs will trigger fault codes (typically P0380–P0384 for glow plug circuit faults). Individual glow plug resistance can be measured with a multimeter (typically 0.5–2 ohms for a good plug).

Is it difficult to change Mercedes-Benz A-Class glow plugs?

Difficulty level 3/5: intermediate. Glow plugs can seize in the cylinder head over time due to heat and corrosion, making removal difficult and risking breakage. Key steps: warm the engine first, apply penetrating oil, use the correct glow plug socket, unscrew carefully (do not force — a broken glow plug requires specialist extraction).

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View your A-Class maintenance plan (keep the A-Class token) →

4 models covered

Model Year Range Engines covered Fuel
A-Class 1998-2005 1998-2005 140, -L, -LPG LPG,Petrol (166.940), 140, -L, -LPG LPG,Petrol (166.960), 160 CDI Diesel (668.940), 160 CDI Diesel (668.941), 160, -L, -LPG LPG,Petrol (166.960), 170 CDI Diesel (668.940), 170 CDI, -L Diesel (668.942), 190, -L, -LPG LPG,Petrol (166.990), 210 Evolution, -L, LPG LPG,… Diesel, LPG, Petrol
A-Class 2005-2012 2005-2012 150, -LPG LPG,Petrol (266.920), 160 CDI Diesel (640.942), 170, -LPG LPG,Petrol (266.940), 180 BlueEFF, -LPG LPG,Petrol (266.940), 180 CDI Diesel (640.940), 200 CDI Diesel (640.941), 200 Turbo Petrol (266.980), 200, -LPG LPG,Petrol (266.960) Diesel, LPG, Petrol
A-Class 2012-2018 2012-2018 160 CDI Diesel (607.951 (K9K)), 160 Petrol (270.910), 180 CDI Diesel (607.951 (K9K)), 180 CDI Diesel (651.901), 180 Petrol (270.910), 200 CDI Diesel (651.901), 200 CDI, -4MATIC Diesel (651.930), 200 Petrol (270.910), 220 4MATIC Petrol (270.920), 220 CDI, -4MATIC Diesel (651.930)… Diesel, Petrol
A-Class 2018-2025 2018-2025 160 Petrol (282.914), 160d Diesel (608.915), 180 48V (MHEV),Petrol (282.814), 180 Petrol (282.914), 180d Diesel (608.915 (K9K)), 180d Diesel (654.920), 200 48V (MHEV),Petrol (282.814), 200, -4MATIC Petrol (282.914), 200, -4MATIC Petrol (282.914), 200d Diesel (654.920), 220, -4MA… 48V (MHEV), Diesel, Electricity, Petrol

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View the service schedule for your A-Class →