Mercedes-Benz Abgasskandal: Rückruf für Sprinter-Modelle startet

Now starts Mercedes Benz also with the long-awaited recall other models with OM651 diesel engine and Euro 5 emissions standard, affecting the Sprinter, Vito and Viano models. The owners of 200,000 of these Mercedes vehicles are currently receiving a letter (with the recall code NC3II6515R or NC2II651R) in which they are asked to take their vehicle to the workshop and have a software update installed. According to the Stuttgart-based carmaker, the software update is intended to be used to specifically regulate the engine control system. The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) had already ordered this recall from the group in autumn 2019. Daimler AG has now probably needed two years to develop corresponding software updates, which - according to the manufacturer itself - still have an impact on fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and nitrogen oxide emissions.

In the case of the disputed impermissible shutdown device, which was also installed in vehicles of the “Sprinter” model, is the so-called coolant target temperature control, which has now led to the recall of hundreds of thousands of Mercedes vehicles. A software function activates a special temperature control that keeps the coolant circuit artificially colder and delays the warming up of the engine oil. This is the only way to keep the nitrogen oxide levels on the test bench below the legally prescribed limits. In real driving conditions, however, this function is deactivated and the legal limit of 180 mg/km is significantly exceeded. The software function was discovered during emissions measurements on a Mercedes GLK 220 CDI, which also met the OM 651 diesel engine installed and was approved with the Euro 5 standard.

Hundreds of thousands of vehicles affected by software manipulation according to KBA

All models affected by the recall are diesel vehicles that meet the Euro 5 emissions standard and have the OM 651 engine. According to information in the recall database of the Federal Motor Transport Authority, around 100,000 vehicles of the “Sprinter” model are now being recalled in Germany under the code “NC3II6515R”. A total of around 90,000 vehicles of the “Vito” and “Viano” models are affected by the recall with the code “NC2II651R”.

If you ask yourself the question: software update yes or no? Then we recommend that you do not have them installed. In our opinion, installing software updates is just a way of "covering up" the original shutdown devices installed on the engine control unit. An engine control system with the same hardware is basically a kind of "compromise" of many components, including exhaust emissions, performance, driving behavior, consumption and durability of individual vehicle parts. An improvement in exhaust emissions is therefore not possible without accepting a deterioration in other areas. So a very clear "No" to install the software update.

Have your claims checked

If you are the owner of an affected Sprinter, you should now chance of possible compensation We are a renowned commercial law firm with special expertise in consumer protection and a pioneer in the emissions scandal. We are the first law firm in Germany to positive decision before the Federal Court of Justice in a Daimler case. This is not only an enormous success for us as a law firm, but above all an incredible success for every affected and injured vehicle owner. We offer you, without obligation and free of charge, to have your claims checked. Thanks to our specially created database, we can immediately track whether your vehicle is also affected.