Mercedes W169 W245 Petrol OM266 Air Conditioner Box Core A/C Heater A1698303860

Mercedes W169 W245 Petrol OM266 Air Conditioner Box Core A/C Heater is an HVAC system component responsible for efficient heat transfer between the refrigerant circuit and the cabin air. This used module from the Heat exchangers group allows for the restoration of heating and air conditioning efficiency while maintaining the factory operating characteristics of the system.

Specifications and technical data

• SKU: A1698303860
• Mark: Mercedes (Genuine OE)
• Condition: Used
• OEM Part Number: A1698303860
• Substitutable numbers: A1698303860, A 169 830 38 60
• Fuel type: Petrol
• Category: Heater Cores

Purpose and function in the HVAC system

The described heat exchanger is designed for Mercedes A-Class W169 and B-Class W245 models with a petrol engine. It is responsible for efficient heat exchange in the air conditioning box assembly, combining the functions of air cooling (air conditioning) and heating (heater core) in a single housing. This enables precise maintenance of the set temperature in the cabin, regardless of external conditions.

A properly selected and functional heat exchanger ensures:

• stable air supply temperature during air conditioning and heating operation,
• even air distribution throughout the cabin,
• correct cooperation with the automatic or manual air conditioning control system.

Construction and fitment for Mercedes W169 / W245

The module has been designed specifically for the interior architecture of the Mercedes A and B-Class of the discussed generation, taking into account the compact design of the center tunnel. This means factory mounting points, appropriate connection ports, and geometry matched to the air ducts in the dashboard.

As a result, the heat exchanger:

• fits the factory air conditioning box without the need for modifications,
• maintains the original airtightness of the air system,
• retains compatibility with factory airflow control.

Benefits of using an original heat exchanger

Choosing an original Mercedes component from the Heat exchangers category allows you to maintain the performance parameters specified by the vehicle manufacturer. In practice, this means predictable air conditioning system behavior, proper windshield defogging, and a comfortable cabin temperature under various thermal loads.

Key advantages include:

• factory fitment for installations in vehicles with a petrol engine,
• preservation of original airflow characteristics,
• the possibility of economical HVAC system repair without the need to replace the entire air conditioning box.

Condition, verification, and service application

The item is offered as a used part, which allows for a significant reduction in repair costs compared to a new component, while maintaining compliance with factory specifications. This type of solution is particularly beneficial for comprehensive service work, such as replacing a damaged evaporator, repairing leaks, or renovating the heating system.

Due to its location in the vehicle, replacing the heat exchanger usually involves disassembling part of the dashboard, so it is worth combining this operation with other work within the air conditioning system to optimize service time and costs.

Related products and technical knowledge

If you are planning a comprehensive repair or upgrade of the air conditioning and heating area in your Mercedes and need other elements from the same group, such as additional heat exchange modules, housing elements, or related system components, check the available parts in the Mercedes Heat exchangers category.

For a comparison of repair costs and a better understanding of the benefits of using used, original components in popular brands, it is worth reading our guide article: Repairing a Volkswagen for pennies? Discover how to save on original car parts. Although it concerns a different brand, the principles of service cost optimization described there are also helpful when operating Mercedes cars.