Owner's Letter

April 1997

Safety Recall # 97-0413

Dear Mercedes-Benz Owner:

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

WE SENT YOU THIS NOTICE BECAUSE WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR SAFETY.

Mercedes-Benz of North America, Inc. has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 1996 to 1997 registration year Mercedes-Benz S-Class cars. Our records show that your car is included in this group.

WHAT'S WRONG

If the front wheels are turned to full lock, the wheel could contact the brake hose and damage the hose. If the brake hose becomes damaged, loss of brake fluid in the front brake circuit may occur which could result in longer than expected stopping distances. This can result in an accident or collision which may cause injury to you and/or others in and around the vehicle.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

Please contact your nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible to have the front brake hoses inspected and replaced free of charge if necessary. Brake hose retaining clamps will also be installed by the dealer free of charge to prevent any future damage. We are sorry to inconvenience you, BUT IT IS IMPORTANT FOR YOUR SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF OTHERS TO HAVE THE WORK PERFORMED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. The working time required is between 1 and 2.5 hours.

PLEASE CONTACT YOUR DEALER NOW TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT!
Please mention this is Recall # 97-0413

QUESTIONS

Should you have any questions or encounter any difficulty regarding this recall, please contact us at Mercedes-Benz of North America, Inc., Customer Assistance Center, Glenview Road, Montvale, NJ 07645. Our toll-free number is (800) FOR-MERCedes, (800 367-6372).

If an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer or Mercedes-Benz of North America, Inc. fails or is unable to repair the car without charge, pursuant to law 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301, you may submit a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20590 or call the toll-free Auto Safety Hotline at 800-424-9393 (Washington D.C. area residents may call 202-366-0123).

Again, we apologize for any inconvenience this situation may cause you. To partially compensate for these inconveniences, our dealers may wash your car, top off the fuel tank (up to $ 25.00) and/or provide you with alternate transportation (for one day) at our expense.