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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Senner Tuning Beefs up Mercedes-Benz ML500

After unveiling its Nissan 370Z and Audi A5 Cabriolet kits in September, German tuning firm Senner is at it again with its treatment for the Mercedes-Benz ML500. The company's engineers first turned their attention on the SUVs 5.5-liter V8 engine by optimizing the ECU module and lifting output from the factory model's 388HP and 530Nm, to 412HP and 560Nm [416 lb-ft] of torque.

Other go-fast features include suspension upgrades and a stainless-steel sport exhaust system with trapezoidal tailpipes. A set of 22-inch aluminum wheels are also part of the package, shod in Vredestein "Wintrac Xtreme" high-performance winter sized 295/30 R22.

Prices for the complete kit start from €9,800 in Germany.

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SPIED: 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG Loses the Heavy Cladding

Last time we showed you spy photos of Mercedes-Benz's forthcoming 2012 M-Class and ML63 AMG SUVs [confusingly, Merc uses the 'M-Class' title for the series and the 'ML' prefix for the model designation], both models were covered in heavy plastic cladding.

In these latest scoop pics of the flagship ML63 AMG, the plastic armor is gone and replaced by black tape, providing us with a more revealing look at the car's styling. The new M-Class features a 'boxier' shape and is evidently more heavily sculpted than the current model. It also gets the more angular grille up front, found on all the latest Mercedes cars.

The AMG-prepped model seen here, features some unique styling details such as the specific bumper designs, side skirts, spoilers and larger alloy wheels.

Underneath the sheetmetal, the new M-Class' chassis is shared with the new Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango models as one of the last legacies from the former Daimler-Chrysler partnerships.

Being an AMG model, this M-Class will no doubt feature several upgrades to the suspension, steering and braking systems, and most importantly, the German firm's newly developed 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine in place of the current SUV's naturally aspirated 6.2-liter unit.

We still don't know the output numbers on the ML63 AMG, but on other Mercedes models, the bi-turbocharged V8 kicks out 544-horsepower and 800Nm or 590lb ft in standard form, and 571HP and 900Nm or 663.8 lb-ft with an available performance pack upgrade.

Look for the new ML63 AMG to debut at a major international car show in 2011.

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SPIED: 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG with New Bi-Turbo V8

Even though the standard 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class is still undergoing development, the company's AMG division has began testing the high-performance version of the series.

Expected to arrive shortly after the standard M-Class model, which itself, will go on sale in late 2011, the ML 63 AMG will feature the brand's newly developed 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 in place of the outgoing car's naturally aspirated 6.2-liter unit.

AMG has said the 5,461cc bi-turbo V8, which will be used on a variety of Mercedes-Benz models, packs 544-horsepower and 800Nm or 590lb ft in standard form, while a performance pack upgrade will increase those figures to 571HP and 900Nm or 663.8 lb-ft, respectively.

It remains to be seen what kind of numbers the bi-turbocharged V8 will deliver on the new ML 63 AMG.

Along with the new powerhouse, the AMG version of the new ML will feature an upgraded suspension, bigger and more powerful brakes, beefier tires and alloy wheels as well as a cosmetic package for both the interior and exterior of the vehicle.

Spy Video: 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class SUV

The countdown is on to the new Mercedes-Benz M-Class SUV that will roll out of Stuttgart sometime in the second-half of 2011. Last time we brought you some early scoop photos of the new SUV on one of its first tests on road. Now, spies have video-snagged the next M-Class during winter testing.

Sharing a platform with the new Jeep Grand Cherokee and the upcoming 2012 Dodge Durango, the M-Class will get a revised engine lineup that will most likely include a next-generation hybrid powertrain with plug-in capability.

The heavy camouflage on the prototype hides a lot of the details, but expect the firm's BMW X5 rival to feature a 'boxier' shape with similar detailing to Merc's latest models such as the E-Class.

Via: Youtube/AMS

Uber-Bad Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG with 585HP and a Top Speed of 300km/h by VATH

Looking to spice up your factory Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG? No problem, just as long as you're prepared to 'lighten' your bank account by €35,784 that comes to around US $53,200 at today's exchange rates. Because that's what VATH is asking for to turn the wick up on the ML 63 AMG. This will buy you the full range of upgrades that include engine and chassis modification as well as new alloy wheels and tires, and a couple of styling add-ons.

The stock ML 63 AMG comes with a 6.2-liter V8 engine produces an output of 510 horsepower and 630 Nm of peak torque. After VATH's extensive mods that include but are not limited to, larger intake and exhaust valves, sport camshaft, reprogrammed ECU and a custom made exhaust system, the V8 delivers 585HP and 690Nm or 508 lb-ft of torque. The engine tuning costs €17,850 plus €1,785 for the installation.

With this kit the ML 63 AMG is claimed to accelerate from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in 4.5 seconds (down from 5.0 sec) while the removal of the speed limiter allows the SUV to reach a top speed of 300 km/h or 187 mph.

An adjustable sport suspension (€1,952) based on Airmatic that can lower the SUV's ride height up to 40mm, a high-performance breaking system (€4,641) with 8-piston fix calipers and 380 mm break discs and 22-inch alloy wheels shod in 265/35 ZR 22 or 305/30 ZR 22 Dunlop tires (from €8,568) complete the list of performance mods.

The package is rounded off with a roof spoiler (€405) and new fog lights (€583) positioned behind the lower grille.

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).