Mercedes-Benz E Class Recall R/2012/111: Rear-axle Suspension Level Sensor May Break, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Book soon
- How serious
- 16 Nov 2012
- Launched
- 6,650
- vehicles in the UK
- P199
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Mercedes-Benz recalled E Class vehicles built between 1 July 2006 and 30 April 2009. On E Class vehicles without AIRMATIC blocking of the level sensor linkage may occur. The dealer will replace the level sensor linkage on these vehicles as a precautionary measure. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
On E Class vehicles without AIRMATIC blocking of the level sensor linkage may occur. In extreme cases this may lead to breakage of the level sensor linkage. The linkage is used to measure the vehicle level via a sensor. If the linkage breaks it is possible the level sensor constantly records a vehicle level that is too low. This leads to a contact pressure rise in both air spring bellows and to hardening of the rear-axle suspension causing a noticeable loss in comfort.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: REAR-AXLE SUSPENSION LEVEL SENSOR MAY BREAK Defect: On E Class vehicles without AIRMATIC blocking of the level sensor linkage may occur. In extreme cases this may lead to breakage of the level sensor linkage. The linkage is used to measure the vehicle level via a sensor. If the linkage breaks it is possible the level sensor constantly records a vehicle level that is too low. This leads to a contact pressure rise in both air spring bellows and to hardening of the rear-axle suspension causing a noticeable loss in comfort. Remedy: Replace the level sensor linkage on these vehicles as a precautionary measure.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could lead to breakage of the level sensor linkage.
The Fix
The dealer will replace the level sensor linkage on these vehicles as a precautionary measure.
Are You Affected?
E Class built between 1 July 2006 and 30 April 2009 may be included. Mercedes-Benz estimates 6,650 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Mercedes-Benz, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Mercedes-Benz.
- Book with any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer, quoting the campaign code P199 or the DVSA reference R/2012/111. See how to get a Mercedes-Benz recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLS, E Class, GLCDrive shaft joint | Low | R/2026/148 | |
| E ClassCoolant pump control software | Low | R/2026/201 | |
| E ClassRouting of transmission wiring harness | Book soon | R/2025/534 | |
| E ClassGround connection bolting | Urgent | R/2025/155 | |
| E ClassWelding of rear axle carrier | Book soon | R/2024/502 |
This is one of 833 Mercedes-Benz recalls in DVSA’s data. The Mercedes-Benz recall launched before it was R/2012/088 on 18 Sep 2012, for loss of control. The one launched after it was R/2012/110 on 28 Nov 2012, for injury may occur if the passenger airbag deploys. You can also see every Mercedes-Benz recall, all recalls launched in 2012 and suspension recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2012/111, launched 16 November 2012. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.