Fuel Filter Leak Prompts Mercedes-Benz Diesel Model Recall in the States

A total of 2,297 diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz models are being recalled in the U.S. to fix a potential problem that could lead to fuel leaks. The recall affects certain diesel versions of the 2011MY E-Class, GL-Class, R-Class and M-Class vehicle range.

Mercedes-Benz told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that the problem lies in the in the o-ring, which may not have been properly lubricated in all cases and could lead to a fuel leakage.

The feds sais that their main worry is that diesel fuel may be spilled on roads making them slippery and thus increasing the potential for a crash

The German automaker said its U.S. dealers will replace the fuel filters free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin this month. Owners may contact Mercedes Benz for more information at 1-800-367-6372.

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SPIED: 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUV

Despite the rising importance of green issues in the auto industry, carmakers continue the development of full-size SUVs / 4x4s such as the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. Our scoop photographers snagged some of the very first pictures of the next generation Mercedes SUV while undergoing testing in Germany.

Although details are scarce, we do know that the new GL will make use of a stretched version of the next ML's platform, which is also shared with the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the upcoming Dodge Durango. The same goes for the powertrains options that will mirror those of the new ML and include V6 and V8 engine options.

Sources suggest that a next-generation hybrid powertrain with plug-in capability may also be available from launch.

The SUV's lines are heavily disguised in these early test photos, but like its ML sibling, the new GL is expected to feature a boxier shape with more hard angles and new details.

The next generation of the GL-Class is due to arrive in the market in 2012.

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class by Carlsson with Performance and Styling Enhancements

The Carlsson crew is constantly striving to develop new tuning packages for every single model in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. This time the German tuning house has launched a comprehensive package comprising of styling and mechanical upgrades for the GL-Class range. Starting off with the design kit, Carlsson has developed a full body kit that consists of a kitschy chrome grille (we could certainly do without that), bonnet add-ons, a front apron with integrated LED daytime running lights, side skirts and a new rear skirt attachment that houses the two oval stainless steel tailpipes.

The aerodynamic kit is priced at a hefty €8,499 (excl. VAT) while an extra €4,189 (again without VAT) will get you a set of 22-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 295/35 R22 high-performance Dunlop tyres.

To match the SUVs looks, Carlsson has developed performance enhancements for both petrol and diesel variants of the GL-Class. More specifically, the CK50 kit (€3,192 excl. VAT) for the GL 500 nudges the V8 petrol's output from 388HP to 435HP and torque from 530 to 600 Nm.

Carlsson also increases the performance of the diesel models, with the GL 420 CDI producing 354 HP instead of 306HP (€1,299 excl. VAT) and the CL 320 CDI 269 HP, up from 224 HP (€1,499 excl. VAT).

To top things off, the tuner has developed the C-Tronic SUSPENSION system that lowers the SUV's ride height by up to 30 mm while the control unit also recognizes the road characteristics and continually adjusts the remaining spring travel. The system that is for the GL-Class models with AIRMATIC-suspension costs €1,099 without VAT.

Via: Worldcarfans

Mercedes Launches New GL-Class, ML-Class and R-Class BlueTEC Diesel Models in Europe

Beginning in autumn 2009, Mercedes-Benz will offer its trio of crossover models in Europe with its 'clean' V6 diesel engine featuring BlueTEC technology. Besides the GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, European customers will have the ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC and R 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC models to choose from. Already available in the U.S., all three models are powered by a 3.0-liter V6 diesel producing 211HP at 3,000 rpm and 540Nm of peak torque from 1,600 to 3,400 rpm.

Mercedes-Benz developed the BlueTEC technology that focuses particularly on nitrogen oxides in order to reduce the emissions of diesel vehicles. The tech involves injecting a non-toxic aqueous carbamide solution called "AdBlueÓ" into the exhaust gas flow that then releases ammonia. In the downstream SCRcatalyst system the ammonia then converts up to 80 per cent of the nitrogen oxides into the harmless products nitrogen and water.

According to the German automaker, the GL350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, ML350 BlueTEC 4MATIC and R350 BlueTEC 4MATIC already fulfill the emissions limits of the EU 6 standard, which won't go into effect until 2014.

As for the BlueTEC models' combined fuel consumption, the ML-Class and R-Class variants both return an average of 8.7 lt/100km (27mpg US) while the larger and heavier GL-Class has been rated at 9.0lt / 100km (26.1mpg US).

NY Show: 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Receives Subtle Makeover

Mercedes is showing off its updated 2010 GL-Class SUV for the first time at the New York motorshow. On the outside, the seven-seater SUV's looks have been refreshed with new bumpers, new chrome underguards at the front and rear, restyled chrome tailpipes, a new-look grille and a new pairing of the fog lamps and daytime running lights linked with chrome inserts. The exterior updates are rounded off with newly designed 18 to 21-inch alloy wheels.

Inside there's new instrumentation and a restyled multifunction steering wheel in nappa leather as well as crash-responsive NECK-PRO luxury head restraints for the driver and front passenger.

Another new feature of the facelifted GL-Class is the Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring system, which checks the individual pressures of all four tires and provides the driver with a graphic read-out.