The Mercedes-Benz B-Class (W245) is a premium compact MPV that adopts the innovative "sandwich" architecture of the A-Class (W169). This double floor allows the engine to be housed in a very inclined position, offering exceptional passive safety (the engine slides under the passenger compartment in the event of a frontal impact) and remarkable interior space for a vehicle measuring 4.27 m. The restyling (facelift) occurred in spring 2008, bringing slight aesthetic touches, new equipment (NTG 2.5 multimedia systems), and, most importantly, better protection against corrosion, a weak point of the early model years. Although very practical and comfortable, its architecture makes mechanical interventions complex and costly. The overall rating reflects an aging vehicle whose maintenance profita
The Mercedes B-Class W245 is a vehicle full of family qualities, but it hides a formidable financial trap: its sandwich architecture. While the OM640 diesel engine is intrinsically very robust and capable of exceeding 300,000 km, the slightest peripheral intervention (starter, alternator, AC compressor) requires hours of labor. Buying advice: Prioritize a facelifted model (post-2008) to avoid rust, exclusively with a manual gearbox. Avoid the Autotronic CVT automatic gearbox unless the control unit has already been replaced and oil changes have been scrupulously performed. For urban use, prefer petrol versions (B180); the diesel (B180/B200 CDI) must absolutely be driven on the open road to avoid clogging of the EGR and DPF.
| Oil change | £90 – 160 |
| Timing chain | £700 – 1,300 (si remplacement nécessaire, non routinier) |
| Clutch | £800 – 1,500 (pour boîte manuelle) |
| Complete brakes | £280 – 550 |
| Estimated annual budget | £650 – 1,300 |
Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.