Used Mercedes-Benz A-Class Power Steering Pump

It depends on the generation. The first-generation A-Class (W168, 1997–2004) and second-generation (W169, 2004–2012) used hydraulic power steering systems and do have a physical power steering pump. From the third generation onwards (W176, 2012–2018, and the current W177, 2018–present), Mercedes switched to electric power steering (EPS), meaning there is no hydraulic pump at all on those later cars. If you have a W176 or W177, you will not find a power steering pump because one was never fitted.

These are from two different generations — the 2003 car is a W168 (first gen, built 1997–2004) and the 2007 car is a W169 (second gen, built 2004–2012) — and the pumps are not the same unit. You should source a pump matched to your specific generation and engine size, as the A160, A170, and A200 petrol and diesel variants across those years may carry different pumps. Confirm compatibility against your exact registration with the breaker before purchasing.

Yes, engine size can affect which pump was fitted, as larger or more powerful engines sometimes use a pump with a different output rating to suit the added weight and steering loads. You should tell the breaker your exact engine variant — for example A140, A160, A170, A180 CDI, or A200 — rather than just the model name. Always confirm against your registration plate with the breaker to be sure you are getting the right unit.

No, trim level does not affect the power steering pump — the pump is part of the running gear, not the cosmetic specification, so whether your car is a Classic, Elegance, or Avantgarde makes no difference to which pump was fitted. What matters is your generation (W168 or W169) and your engine size. You may find parts from different trim levels arrive with minor cosmetic or bracket differences, so mention your exact setup to the breaker just in case.

The W169 generation ran from 2004 to 2012, so a 2011 car sits within that generation and should have a hydraulic power steering system, meaning a physical pump does exist on your car. However, the changeover to the W176 (with electric steering) began in 2012, so if your car was registered in very late 2011 or early 2012 it is worth double-checking which generation you actually have. Confirm with your breaker using your registration plate to be certain before ordering a pump.

This is not something that can be guaranteed without checking, as petrol and diesel variants within the same generation can have different pump specifications to suit their engine layouts and outputs. You should give the breaker both the generation (W168 or W169) and the exact engine code or variant from your registration, so they can match the pump accurately. Never assume a pump is interchangeable across fuel types without the breaker confirming it against both vehicles.