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Mercedes-Benz has agreed to recall and repair more than 250,000 vehicles equipped with BlueTec diesel engines as part of a $1.5 billion settlement agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to resolve Related cars, trucks, and SUVs cheated in emission tests.

Owners may also be eligible for compensation of up to US$3,290 due to a separate class action lawsuit. 

Before the settlement was reached, a series of similar diesel emission scandals occurred in recent years, the largest of which was Volkswagen’s “Diesel Door” scandal. The automaker admitted to bypassing the emission control system in approximately 635,000 vehicles and paid the owners. Billions of dollars in fines and payments. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles also settled allegations that some Ram pickups and Jeep SUVs equipped with diesel engines cheated in emission tests. Unlike Dieselgate, the settlement does not require Mercedes-Benz to buy back any additional vehicles. 

Affected vehicles include: • 2008 ML3 20, ML350 2010-2014, and 2015 ML250 SUVs • 2008 GL320 and GL350 2010-2016 SUVs • 2009 R320 and R350 2010-2012 SUVs • 2012 and 2013 S350 sedan • 2011-2013 E350 sedan and 2014-2016 E250 sedan • 2013-2015 GLK250 SUV • 2016 GLE300d SUV • 2010-2016 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter commercial vans

The recall will be carried out in batches until January 2022, when their cars are ready for repairs, car owners will receive email notifications. They can also call Mercedes-Benz at 800-367-6372 to ask questions about passenger cars, or call 877-762-8267 to ask questions about Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner Sprinter. The automaker also plans to establish a website dedicated to recalls.

The specific details of emission maintenance depend on the vehicle, but almost every Mercedes-Benz car, van or SUV equipped with a BlueTec diesel engine from 2010 to 2016 will be equipped with new copper catalysts, new nitrogen oxide sensors and updates The emission software, according to documents related to settlement. Automakers must repair at least 85% of cars and SUVs within two years, and at least 85% of trucks within three years.

According to the Department of Justice, these repairs will address so-called failed devices that will reduce nitrogen oxide emissions during regulatory testing but not during actual driving. The NOx emitted by vehicles may damage the lung tissue of children and adults, is related to heart disease, and may worsen diseases such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis.

Mercedes-Benz said in a statement that it denied the authorities’ allegations and the class action plaintiff’s claim, and the settlement did not make any decision on whether the vehicle contained a malfunctioning device.

Mercedes-Benz spokesperson Han Tjan said that maintenance should not change the performance of the vehicle. "We don't want customers to notice any adverse changes in vehicle reliability, durability, performance, driving performance, fuel economy or other driving characteristics," he told CR. "Additional information regarding any performance changes will be provided in the notice to eligible customers."

Some owners of Ram and Jeep diesel vehicles in need of similar repairs told CR that their trucks and SUVs lost power and fuel economy after repairs.

The automaker will also provide an extended warranty for any updated emission software and hardware, and will be required to test the repaired vehicles annually for the next five years to ensure that they continue to meet emission standards. Mercedes-Benz no longer sells any new diesel passenger cars in the U.S.

In addition to repairs, existing owners and tenants of affected vehicles may be eligible for compensation of up to US$3,290 as part of a US$700 million class action settlement. The former owner and renter can receive up to $822.50, depending on the number of claims filed for the same car. In addition, if repairs affect vehicle performance, vehicle owners may be eligible for additional compensation. After the settlement is initially approved by the court, Mercedes-Benz will notify the owner of more details via email, and more information will be provided on mbbluetecsettlement.com soon.

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Although I like quirky old European cars like the Renault Medallion, I am still keen to help other people find a safe and reliable car. Even if they are blocked on the road, they still have a smile on their faces. When I am not behind the steering wheel or keyboard, you will find that I am exploring a new city on foot or planning my next trip.

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