Used Mercedes-Benz A-Class Bonnet Latch

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class has gone through distinct generations — the W168 (1997–2004), W169 (2004–2012), W176 (2012–2018, with a facelift around 2015), and W177 (2018–present) — and the bonnet latch is not interchangeable across these generations as the front-end structure changes significantly between them. Within a single generation, the latch is generally shared across different body styles and engine options, so focus on matching the generation first. Always confirm the exact part number with the breaker against your registration to be sure.

The W176 A-Class was facelifted in 2015, which brought changes to the front end including the grille, bumper and lights, and it is not certain whether the bonnet latch itself changed at that point. Because of this uncertainty at the facelift boundary, you should confirm with the breaker whether a pre-2015 latch will interchange with a post-2015 car against your specific registration. It may well be the same part, but it is worth verifying rather than assuming.

Trim level does not affect bonnet latch fitment on the A-Class — whether your car is an SE, Sport, AMG Line or any other trim, the latch mechanism itself is the same within a generation. The bonnet panel and surrounding components may carry cosmetic differences between trims, but the latch that holds it shut is shared. So you can disregard trim level when sourcing this part, and focus purely on matching the correct generation.

Both a 2013 and a 2017 W176 A-Class fall within the same generation, but the 2015 facelift sits between those two years, meaning the donor car and your car are from different facelift periods. Whether the bonnet latch itself changed at that facelift is something you should check with the breaker against both registrations rather than assume. If the part numbers match, fitment is likely fine, but get that confirmed before purchasing.

No — the engine type makes no difference to bonnet latch fitment on the A-Class, as the latch is part of the front bodywork structure which is shared across all engine variants within a generation. Whether you have a 1.5 diesel, a 2.0 petrol or any other engine, the latch will be the same part for that generation. Simply match the generation and check at the facelift boundary if relevant, and you can ignore the engine entirely.

No — the W169 (2004–2012) and W176 (2012–2018) are entirely different generations with different front-end structures, so the bonnet latch from a W169 will not be a suitable replacement for a W176. You need to source a latch from the same generation as your car. Let the breaker know your exact registration so they can pull the correct part from the right donor vehicle.