2,359 Indian Mercs to be recalled

2,000 E-Class sedans affected, C-class not hit.

As many as 2,000 E-Class sedans, 300 S-Class sedans and around 50 SL and SLK sports cars will be part of Mercedes' Indian recall programme.

The C-class, the largest selling Mercedes-Benz in India, is not affected by the recall since they feature four-cylinder engines.

In all, DaimlerChrysler India will be recalling 2,350 Mercedes-Benz cars as part of an international recall programme involving 1.3 million V6 and V8 engine powered cars.

The E-Class (Rs 35 lakh plus) will receive maximum attention at the dealer-level recall programme. Each car will receive checks for the voltage regulator in the alternator, re-programming of the battery control unit software and braking system.

The S-Class super luxury sedans (Rs 65 lakh plus) will be checked for faulty voltage regulator in the alternator. The 50 SL (Rs 1 crore) and SLK Class (Rs 45 lakh plus) cars will be checked for battery control unit software issues and a braking system update.

Suhas Kadlaskar, director - corporate affairs and finance, DaimlerChrysler India told Business Standard that there was no need for panic as the recall is not exactly time bound.

The necessary inspection and changes can be carried out at the dealer level even during routine service check-ups.

"Upholding the brand values of Mercedes-Benz cars is of prime importance to DaimlerChrysler and whatever that needs to be done will be done," said Kadlaskar. There won't be any cost involved for the customer and DaimlerChrysler India has already sent letters to the dealerships to this effect.

In cases where the braking system is at fault, DCI will change the brake pump unit at no cost to the customer, he added.