FAULTY components have forced Mercedes-Benz to call back several thousand cars to check whether their new Brake Assist systems are working correctly. Dealers are having to disconnect the system on certain vehicles after two owners in the UK reported unusually heavy braking on their new Mercedes cars.

No accidents have been reported as a result, but Mercedes is asking some 9,000 owners of C, E, S, and SL cars to take their vehicles to their dealer, who will check the system free of charge. Brake Assist helps the driver apply maximum braking force in the event of an emergency stop by maintaining full brake pressure until the pedal is released.

The fault has been traced to a faulty sensor on the system which has been replaced with a new component at the factory on all cars built since July. Cars found to have the fault will have the system disconnected - allowing the brakes to function normally - until dealers get stocks of the replacement sensor, which will be fitted free.