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The SUV success story began in 1997 with the M-Class, model series
163
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A-Class, model series 168, with innovative sandwich body
concept
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The CLK Coupé, model series 208, furthered the brand’s coupé
tradition
In 2027, the first Mercedes-Benz M-Class, A-Class and CLK Coupé vehicles
will be eligible for H number plates in Germany. In order to qualify for
registration as a historic vehicle, a car must be at least 30 years old and
successfully pass an inspection in accordance with Section 23 of the German
Road Traffic Licencing Code (StVZO).
For the maintenance and repair of the brand’s modern classics and classics,
Mercedes-Benz Classic is responsible for approximately 160,000 different
Genuine Parts. These parts play an important role in the long-term
preservation of classic vehicles. The focus of the offering is on components
which are relevant to vehicle operation and safety. Many parts are available
within 24 hours from some 3,000 authorised Mercedes-Benz dealers in 170
countries. The Mercedes-Benz Classic Centre in Fellbach also offers advice
and parts sales.
Link to the parts search: partsserach.mercedes-benz-classic.com
1997: Mercedes-Benz expands its model range
The Mercedes-Benz M-Class, model series 163, which was presented in 1997,
provided critical impetus in the sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment, which
was just emerging then. In April 1997, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the M-Class at
the new plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA, which had been built specifically
for the production of this class. With independent suspension front and rear
as well as permanent all-wheel drive, the off-roader combined on-road
comfort with off-road capability. Replacement parts available for model
series 163 include the Mercedes star (A 163 888 00 86, EUR 119.52) and the
front wings (left: A 163 880 01 06, right: A 163 880 02 06, EUR 566.34 each)
as well as the transfer case (A 163 280 08 00, EUR 5,651.57), automatic
transmission (A 163 270 23 00 80, EUR 7,120.34) and the V8 engine of the ML
500 introduced in 2001 (A 113 010 83 02 80, EUR 24,831.10).
The A-Class, model series 168, represented a fundamentally new vehicle
concept. It was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1997. Initially,
the A 140 and A 160 were available, with further engine variants following.
The sandwich concept is a defining feature of the body structure: in case of
a frontal collision, the powertrain is able to slide underneath the
passenger compartment, thus reducing the risk of injury to the vehicle
occupants. The A-Class became the world’s first series production car to
come equipped with the pioneering electronic stability programme ESP® as
standard. Mercedes-Benz Classic offers replacement parts for the first
A-Class, ranging from the bonnet lock release cable (A 168 880 00 59 64, EUR
42.63) and auxiliary brake light (A 168 820 00 56, EUR 128.53) all the way
to the complete automatic transmission (A 168 370 45 00 88, EUR
7,000.21).
The Mercedes-Benz CLK Coupé, model series 208, made its debut at the North
American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit in January 1997. It
continues in the tradition of E-Class Coupés, but was developed as an
independent model series on the technical basis of the C-Class, model series
202. The range of engine variants extended from the CLK 200 through the CLK
320 all the way to the CLK 430. In 1998, one year after the coupé, the CLK
Cabriolet was presented. Replacement parts available include, for example,
the instrument cluster (A 208 540 39 11 80, EUR 817.74) and boot lid (A 208
750 01 75 28, EUR 994.36).
Expertise in servicing, repairs and restoration
The Mercedes-Benz Classic Centre in Fellbach supports the brand’s classic
cars – regardless of whether they have H number plates or not. In 2026,
Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH expanded its site to a total area of
approximately 18,000 square metres. The offering is complemented by the
international Mercedes-Benz Classic Partner network, which specialises in
servicing and the supply of replacement parts for modern classics and
classics.
Photos