1. Steering rack. With the engine turned off, move the steering wheel from left to right. If it makes a clunking noise then the bearing which connects the wheel to the rack is in need of replacing. Its an expensive part especially with labour from MB. The A-Class steering rack has been updated three times since the model was released, that I know about, and this has been the topic of many a subject at Baby Benz meetings. This only affects older models.

2. Rear suspension. Where the spring is held onto the rear trailing arms have a tendency to rust which allows the spring to move. Parts are cheap, labour is expensive. Have a look under the rear, its worth getting your hands dirty for this one. This only affects older models.

3. Rear trailing arms bushes. While you’re down checking the springs check the trailing arm bushes.

4. Rear Wheel bearings. these can go. Check them.

5. Rattles from interior. Its not that the interior isn’t put together well, its just that some bits might not be secured properly or the part didn’t fit exactly. Common areas to look at are: Rear seats (take them out and put either insulation tape or foam over the securing posts in the floor), headrests (Easy one this, take them out and pull the posts further apart, not too much mind you. When they go back in they will fit more snugly than before). Tailgate (remove the cover and install bits of foam around the door, then screw the cover back on) Any other rattles can be fixed as per the tailgate.

6. Air Mass Sensor. This is £500ish just for the part! However whether or not this needs replacing is like the lottery. I know people who’ve done 90,000 miles and it’s been okay and other with 10,000 miles and it needed replacing. If it worries you get a warranty if you can. Remember that all MB under 3 years old should have a warranty with MB.

7. Droplinks. Dull rattle heard at urban speeds on broken surfaces from the front under the footwell. Later models not affected.