A-Class - W169 - Bonnet Cowling - Wiper Cowling - 05-12

Exposure to intense South African UV radiation causes factory plastic scuttle panels to fade, warp and crack over time. When the cowling degrades, rainwater bypasses the designed drainage paths, leaking directly into the cabin pollen filter housing, soaking interior footwells and corroding delicate electrical connections. At M&B Parts, we supply complete OEM-spec replacement cowling kits designed to restore your vehicle's factory appearance and maintain watertight cabin protection.

Product Overview

The wiper scuttle cowl serves as the primary barrier between your windscreen and the internal mechanical compartment. On the Mercedes-Benz A-Class W169, this panel acts as an aerodynamic transition piece, a leaf and debris screen, and a water management trough. It channels water from the base of the windscreen through the three-piece cowling trough down to the engine bay drains, sealing the cabin air intake while shielding the wiper linkage underneath.

Visual Symptoms of Cowling Degradation

Replacing your aged cowling prevents costly secondary damage. Look for these common wear indicators:

• Hairline Cracks & Split Edges: sunlight degrades the polymer, causing the plastic to snap around the wiper spindle cutouts and retaining clips.
• Warping & Gap Formation: heat cycling distorts the top edge, causing it to lift away from the bottom of the glass rather than sitting flush.
• Interior Dampness & Musty Odours: rainwater pooling in the footwells often tracks through a compromised scuttle panel into the fresh air intake box.
• Corroded Wiper Linkages: water dripping past cracked plastic seizes internal wiper pivot bearings and damages the electric wiper motor.

Key Features & Specifications

A complete W169 wiper cowling replacement kit provides everything needed to replace aged, brittle scuttle trims with factory-grade fitment.

• Impact-Resistant ABS/Polymer Construction: moulded from heat-stabilised, UV-treated ABS composite engineered to withstand thermal cycling without bleaching, chalking or cracking.
• Complete 3-Piece Assembly: includes the main centre drain section alongside dedicated left- and right-hand extension trim corners for edge-to-edge coverage.
• Integrated Washer & Wiper Recesses: pre-formed cutouts accommodate factory wiper blades and arms, with mounting channels to route windscreen washer nozzle sprayers cleanly.
• Engine Bay Protection: works in tandem with your front fender liners to direct runoff through designated fender drains away from critical engine electronics.

Technical Specifications

Step-by-Step Installation Guidance

Replacing the scuttle cowling on a W169 is a straightforward DIY task taking approximately 30 to 45 minutes:

• Remove Wiper Arms: pry off the plastic wiper arm nut caps and remove the retaining nuts using a 13mm socket. Gently rock the wiper arms to release them from the tapered splines.
• Release Retaining Clips: carefully unclip the plastic trim push-pins along the front lip of the scuttle panel using a plastic trim removal tool.
• Disconnect Washer Tubing: disconnect the washer hose supply line running beneath the cowling to avoid pulling on fluid fittings.
• Remove Old Panels: slide the left and right corner sections out first, followed by the main centre scuttle plate.
• Clear Debris: vacuum leaves, compost and road dirt from the exposed drainage channels before fitting the new assembly.
• Mount Replacement: align the new 3-piece cowling set, secure all factory clips, reconnect washer lines, and reinstall the wiper arms to their factory park position.

Why Buy from M&B Parts

• Aftermarket Mercedes-Benz Specialists: we focus on precision-matched Mercedes-Benz body parts, reducing the fitment inaccuracies common with universal aftermarket panels.
• Save Over Dealer Pricing: factory-equivalent durability and fit at a significant saving compared to dealer prices.
• Reinforced Protective Packaging: long scuttle trim components are packed with rigid reinforcement so your parts arrive straight and undamaged.
• Fast Nationwide Courier Delivery: rapid dispatch and tracked courier shipping directly to your address or workshop anywhere in South Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions

What part number is the A-Class W169 bonnet cowling?
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class W169 bonnet cowling uses part number 1698360018 (also written as A1698360018) and is a complete three-piece set that fits all 2005 to 2012 models, both pre-facelift and facelift.

Does the bonnet cowling fit both A-Class and B-Class?
Yes, part number 1698360018 fits both the Mercedes-Benz A-Class W169 (2005 to 2012) and B-Class W245 models from the same generation, as they share the same base platform and cowling design.

Is the bonnet cowling sold as a complete set?
Yes, the W169 bonnet cowling is sold as a complete three-piece set that includes the centre panel plus left and right side sections, matching the original factory configuration.

Is this a genuine Mercedes-Benz part?
No. This is a high-quality aftermarket replacement panel, not a genuine Mercedes-Benz part.