Used Mercedes-Benz A-Class Bonnet Strut

The A-Class does use gas struts to hold the bonnet open rather than a traditional prop rod, so a bonnet strut is a genuine part you can source from a breaker. This applies across all modern A-Class generations (W168, W169, W176, W177), as the bonnet is supported by a pair of gas struts on either side. When searching, make sure you specify your generation so the breaker can pull the correct part.

These are from two different generations — the W176 ran from 2012 to 2018, while the W177 launched in 2018 — so the bonnets and their associated struts are different and are not expected to interchange. You should source a strut specifically matched to your generation; confirm your registration with the breaker so they can identify the correct part from their stock.

The W176 generation received a facelift around 2015 which brought changes to the front end including the bumper, grille and lights, and the bonnet profile may also differ between pre- and post-facelift cars. Because of this, whether a bonnet strut from a pre-facelift W176 (2012–2015) crosses over to a post-facelift W176 (2015–2018) is something you should confirm with the breaker against your specific registration rather than assume it will fit.

Trim level does not affect bonnet strut fitment — the bonnet and its struts are shared across SE, Sport, AMG Line, and other trim variants within the same generation and facelift period. You may notice cosmetic differences such as paint colour or bonnet badges between donor and your car, but these do not affect the strut itself. Simply match generation and facelift period and you should be fine, but always confirm with the breaker.

Engine variant makes no difference to bonnet strut fitment — the bonnet and its gas struts are the same across the W176 range regardless of whether the car is a 180, 200, 220 or any other engine designation. Focus instead on matching the generation and whether the donor car is pre- or post-facelift, and check with the breaker if you are unsure which facelift period your car falls into.

On most A-Class variants the nearside (NS) and offside (OS) bonnet struts are the same part, as they are typically symmetrical gas struts, but it is worth confirming this with the breaker when you contact them as some models do use handed or slightly different mounting configurations. Giving the breaker your registration and specifying which side you need will ensure they supply the correct unit from their vehicle.