Mercedes A-Class W168 5 Door 1997-2004 Left Front Wing NSF A1688800318
Mercedes A-Class W168 5 Door 1997-2004 Left Front Wing NSF A1688800318
Exact item photo gallery
THE PART PILOT
THE PART PILOT
THE PART PILOT
THE PART PILOT
THE PART PILOT
THE PART PILOT
Reference vehicle and fitting location
Item details and engineering references
Condition and what is supplied
Condition disclosure
- Previously fitted, factory-marked original manufacturer panel.
- Visible age-related cosmetic wear, surface scratches, scuffs and storage marks.
- A fine line/scratch is visible in the close-up photograph; inspect it at full size and allow for body preparation or repair if required.
- Minor oxidation/age marking may be present on metal inserts and fixing points.
- Colour match is not guaranteed, even where the shade looks similar on screen.
- Professional preparation and repainting are recommended for a high-quality finish.
Included
- One vehicle-left front wing panel, part A1688800318.
- Side-repeater/lens shown fitted in the photographs.
- Only the components visibly attached in the exact-item gallery.
Not included
- Front bumper, headlamp, bonnet, wheel-arch liner or door.
- Loose bolts, clips, seals or trim not visibly attached.
- Paintwork, bodyshop preparation or fitting labour.
Confirmed vehicle compatibility
| Model / type code | Exact production range | Engine / output | Fuel | Body |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A 140 (168.031, 168.131) | 07/1997–08/2004 | 1397 cc • 60 kW / 82 PS • M 166.940 | Petrol | 5-door W168/V168 |
| A 140 (168.031, 168.131) | 01/2001–08/2004 | 1598 cc • 60 kW / 82 PS • M 166.960 | Petrol | 5-door W168/V168 |
| A 160 (168.033, 168.133) | 07/1997–08/2004 | 1598 cc • 75 kW / 102 PS • M 166.960 | Petrol | 5-door W168/V168 |
| A 160 CDI (168.007) | 07/1998–02/2001 | 1689 cc • 44 kW / 60 PS • OM 668.941 | Diesel | 5-door W168 |
| A 160 CDI (168.006) | 02/2001–08/2004 | 1689 cc • 55 kW / 75 PS • OM 668.940 | Diesel | 5-door W168 |
| A 170 CDI (168.008) | 07/1998–02/2001 | 1689 cc • 66 kW / 90 PS • OM 668.940 | Diesel | 5-door W168 |
| A 170 CDI (168.009, 168.109) | 02/2001–08/2004 | 1689 cc • 70 kW / 95 PS • OM 668.942 | Diesel | 5-door W168/V168 |
| A 190 (168.032, 168.132) | 03/1999–08/2004 | 1898 cc • 92 kW / 125 PS • M 166.990 | Petrol | 5-door W168/V168 |
| A 210 / A 210 Evolution (168.035, 168.135) | 12/2001–08/2004 | 2084 cc • 103 kW / 140 PS • M 166.995 | Petrol | 5-door W168/V168 |
No other make or model has been confirmed. The compatibility extension is within the first-generation A-Class family only. Gearbox and trim level do not normally change the outer wing profile, but part-number and photo matching still take priority.
This part will not fit
- Mercedes A-Class W169, including later 3-door and 5-door versions.
- Mercedes A-Class W176 or W177.
- Mercedes Vaneo W414.
- The vehicle-right / UK off-side front wing.
- A rear quarter panel, inner wheel arch, wing liner or bumper panel.
- Any vehicle where the moulded number, repeater aperture or mounting pattern differs.
Buyer matching checklist
- Confirm W168/V168 first-generation platform.
- Confirm 5-door body.
- Confirm vehicle-left front side.
- Compare A1688800318 or accepted A1688800718 reference.
- Compare the side-repeater opening and every mounting point.
- Use eBay Messages before purchase when uncertain; send registration/VIN and a clear photo of the existing panel/number.
Common reasons for replacement
Possible symptoms or damage
- Cracked, split, distorted or impact-damaged outer panel.
- Broken mounting tabs or a panel that moves, rattles or sits proud.
- Poor gaps against the bonnet, headlamp, bumper or front door.
- Side repeater that cannot be retained securely.
- Wheel-arch edge damage, sharp edges or tyre-clearance concerns.
- Severe paint failure or previous repair that cannot be refinished economically.
Why choose a factory-marked original panel?
- Factory mounting locations and correct W168 body curvature.
- Better chance of achieving consistent bonnet, door, lamp and bumper gaps.
- Correct repeater aperture and clip locations.
- Less risk of trimming, drilling or reshaping compared with a low-cost pattern copy.
- A recycled original part can offer substantial value; depending on new retail price and availability, buyers may save up to 70% compared with buying new.
Fitting guide, tools and repair time
Typical tools
Fastener sizes can vary after previous repairs. Inspect the vehicle before starting and replace damaged clips or fixings.
Removal and installation overview
- Park safely, isolate the ignition, open the bonnet and protect adjacent paintwork with masking tape or suitable covers.
- Safely raise the relevant front corner as required, remove the wheel if access demands it, then remove the front wheel-arch liner/mudguard.
- Remove or release the front bumper sufficiently to expose the wing fixings.
- Use a plastic trim wedge to release the triangular cover between the wing and front pillar, working close to each fastener.
- Slide the side-repeater lens forward, remove it and disconnect its electrical plug.
- Remove the lower front and lower rear wing bolts, the fasteners behind the strut area, the upper rear fixings and the upper edge fixings. Keep each bolt identified for refitting.
- Release the wing from the side headlamp guide and the side-member location, then lift the panel away without stressing adjacent trim.
- Transfer only the required serviceable trim/clips, position the replacement wing and install all fasteners loosely.
- Align the panel to the bonnet, front door, bumper and headlamp before final tightening. Reference nominal gaps are approximately 5.0 ± 0.5 mm at the front-door edge and 3.5 ± 0.5 mm at the bonnet edge.
- Reconnect and secure the repeater, replace damaged clips, refit the pillar cover, bumper, wheel-arch liner and wheel, then perform a final security, lighting and clearance check.
Estimated mechanical fitting time
Approximately 1.5–2.5 labour hours for a competent technician where fixings release normally and no structural/body repair is needed.
This is an informed estimate, not a manufacturer flat-rate time. Paint preparation, refinishing, curing, seized fixings, damaged clips, previous accident repair and panel-gap correction are additional.
Fitting service
A fitting service may be available subject to workshop capacity, vehicle inspection and parts condition.
Please ask through eBay Messages before travelling or purchasing fitting. No appointment is confirmed until accepted in writing.
Static garage labour cost calculator
Choose the garage hourly rate in the first column and read across to the estimated labour time. Formula: hourly rate × labour hours.
| Garage rate | 1.5 hours | 2.0 hours | 2.5 hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| £50/hour | £75.00 | £100.00 | £125.00 |
| £65/hour | £97.50 | £130.00 | £162.50 |
| £80/hour | £120.00 | £160.00 | £200.00 |
| £95/hour | £142.50 | £190.00 | £237.50 |
| £110/hour | £165.00 | £220.00 | £275.00 |
Mechanical labour illustration only. It excludes paint/materials, refinishing, VAT where applicable to the garage, clips, alignment rectification, corrosion treatment and additional repairs. This static table is used because eBay descriptions must not contain JavaScript or an interactive calculator.
Stock, workshop and dispatch
Delivery, checkout address and international orders
UK and international delivery
Delivery services, charges and estimated dates are shown by eBay at checkout. International delivery is available only to eligible destinations offered by eBay's international shipping programme for this item and buyer location.
Country eligibility, exclusions, import charges, carriers and final delivery availability are determined dynamically by eBay. A fixed country list is therefore not stated here because it can become inaccurate.
Address accuracy
Customers must make sure the delivery address is complete and correct before paying.
For security and seller-protection requirements, we cannot change the checkout address after the order is placed. Where an address is wrong, the order may need to be cancelled and placed again through eBay.
VAT, returns and fitment responsibility
VAT margin scheme
Where applicable, this item is sold under the VAT Margin Scheme / Global Accounting Scheme for eligible second-hand goods.
VAT is not shown separately and there is no separately reclaimable VAT element.
Returns
Returns are handled through the eBay return process in line with the return settings shown on the listing and applicable consumer law.
Please return the same item, complete and in the condition received. Faulty, damaged-in-transit or not-as-described concerns will be handled through the appropriate eBay process.
Avoiding wrong orders
The buyer is responsible for checking side, model series, body style, part number, shape, repeater aperture and fixings before ordering.
We are happy to help verify compatibility before purchase through eBay Messages. Send the registration/VIN and clear photos of the existing part and its number.
WhatsApp QR for Fitment Help / Appointment Enquiries
Scan the QR code to contact ThePartPilot on WhatsApp for fitment checks, appointments or fitting service availability.For faster fitment help, send your vehicle registration, VIN if available, and clear photos of your existing part, connector and part number.