Second Hand Mercedes-Benz A-Class Glow Plugs

Yes, but only on diesel-engined variants — glow plugs are a diesel-only component used to pre-heat the combustion chamber for cold starts, and petrol A-Class models never had them. The A-Class has been sold with a range of diesel engines across its generations (W168 1997–2004, W169 2004–2012, W176 2012–2018 with facelift in 2015, and W177 2018–present), so if your car is a diesel, glow plugs do apply to your vehicle. If your A-Class is petrol, you will not need glow plugs — you may instead be looking for spark plugs.

The W176 generation ran from 2012 to 2018 with a facelift in 2015, so both a 2014 and a 2016 car sit within the same generation — however, fitment depends on the engine code, not the year alone. If both cars share the same engine code (for example both running an OM607 or OM651 unit), the glow plugs are very likely the same part, but minor ancillary or specification changes can occur mid-production. Always confirm the engine code from your V5 or a VIN check and verify the match with the breaker before purchasing.

No — trim level has no bearing on glow plug fitment whatsoever. SE, Sport, AMG Line, and other trim designations on the A-Class relate to cosmetic and equipment differences, not the engine, so the glow plugs required are determined entirely by the engine code. Simply confirm your engine code with the breaker and trim can be disregarded completely.

The W169 and W176 are separate generations with different engine families, so glow plugs from a W169 diesel are unlikely to cross over to a W176 diesel even if the displacement looks similar on paper. The most reliable approach is to supply your exact engine code — found on your V5 or via a VIN check — to the breaker, who can confirm whether a specific plug from either generation matches yours. Do not assume compatibility across this generational boundary without that confirmation.

Yes, the W177 diesel A-Class does use glow plugs, and failure of one or more is a common cause of difficult cold starts alongside a glow plug warning light. Used glow plugs from a matching engine code are a legitimate and cost-effective option from a breaker, particularly if the failed plug or plugs are otherwise expensive new. Supply your engine code to the breaker to ensure an exact match, and bear in mind a breaker can advise on the condition and mileage of the donor vehicle's plugs.

A diesel A-Class has one glow plug per cylinder — typically four on the common four-cylinder diesel engines fitted across the W168, W169, W176, and W177 generations. It is generally recommended to replace all plugs at the same time rather than mixing old and new, as plugs of differing age and condition can give inconsistent performance. If buying used, confirm the quantity and engine code with the breaker to make sure you receive a full matching set.