The original hyper hatch that started it all – the W176 A45 AMG packed a 381hp 2.0L turbocharged engine into a practical five-door body. Still one of the most tuner-friendly performance cars today.

1. Current Price Ranges (2024)

Early Models (2013–2015, Pre-Facelift)

• High-mileage (100,000+ km): €18,000 – €22,000 (Watch for transmission/clutch wear)

• Average (60,000–100,000 km): €22,000 – €28,000

• Low-mileage (<40,000 km): €28,000 – €35,000

Facelift Models (2016–2018, 381hp)

• Well-used (80,000+ km): €25,000 – €30,000

• Clean example (40,000–80,000 km): €30,000 – €38,000

• Collector-grade (<30,000 km): €38,000 – €45,000

Special Editions

• A45 "Yellow Night Edition": +€5,000 premium

• A45 "Airscarf Edition": +€3,000 (heated seats/steering wheel)

2. Key Value Factors

✅ What Adds Value

• Performance Pack (AMG Dynamics, race mode)

• Panoramic sunroof (rare on early models)

• Unofficial but desirable: Remus/Akrapovic exhaust (+€1,500 value)

⚠️ Critical Watch-Outs

• Timing chain stretch (listen for rattles at cold start)

• 7G-DCT transmission jerking (€4,000+ rebuild)

• Front differential wear (whining noise when turning)

3. Maintenance & Running Costs

Annual Basics

• Oil changes (every 10,000km): €300–€400

• Brake pads (front): €600 (AMG Performance ones cost €1,200!)

• Haldex AWD fluid change (every 60,000km): €350

Known Big-Ticket Items

• Turbo replacement (€3,500+) at ~120,000km

• Engine mounts (€900) often fail by 80,000km

• Spark plugs (€400) must be changed every 30,000km

4. Tuning Potential

Stage 1 (Software Only)

• +70hp (450hp total)

• Cost: €800–€1,200

• Risk: May reveal weak clutch in pre-2016 models

Stage 2 (Hardware Upgrades)

• +120hp (500hp+)

• Requires downpipe/intercooler (€3,000+)

• 0-100km/h in ~3.8 seconds

5. Market Trends

📉 Depreciation Curve

• Year 1-3: ~40% drop

• Year 5+: Stabilizes around €25,000–€35,000

• Future Classic? Early low-mile examples already rising

💡 Smart Buy Tips

• Best value: 2016–2017 facelift with under 70,000km

• Avoid: Tuned cars without paperwork

• Check: Service history for transmission fluid changes

6. Where to Buy

Official Channels

• Mercedes-Benz Approved Used (rare)

• Specialist hot hatch dealers

Private Sales

• Mobile.de / Autoscout24

• AMG Owner Clubs

Pro Tip: A pre-purchase DCT adaptation check (€150) can save you from €5,000 transmission woes.

Fun Fact: The A45's M133 engine holds the record for most horsepower per liter (190.5hp/L) in a production car when launched.

(Many don't know the A45 shares its AWD system with the E63 AMG – just in a much smaller package!)