Mercedes-Benz E Class Recall R/2020/285: Software Update Required To Improve Emissions, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Low
- How serious
- 13 Nov 2020
- Launched
- 383
- vehicles in the UK
- SRPC2035
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Mercedes-Benz recalled E Class vehicles built between 26 May 2009 and 2 May 2011. Certain specific calibrations of functions must be changed in the engine management of the vehicles. The dealer will update the diesel engine control unit software and add a supplementary booklet for the operator,s manual. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
Certain specific calibrations of functions must be changed in the engine management of the vehicles.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: SOFTWARE UPDATE REQUIRED TO IMPROVE EMISSIONS Defect: Certain specific calibrations of functions must be changed in the engine management of the vehicles Remedy: Update the diesel engine control unit software and add a supplementary booklet for the operator�s manual.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: software update required to improve emissions.
The Fix
The dealer will update the diesel engine control unit software and add a supplementary booklet for the operator,s manual. The fix is a software update, which usually takes under an hour at the dealer.
Are You Affected?
E Class built between 26 May 2009 and 2 May 2011 may be included. Mercedes-Benz estimates 383 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 SRPC2035 or the DVSA reference R/2020/285. 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/2020/277 on 27 Oct 2020, for an electrical contact inside the engine control unit may not meet the specification. The one launched after it was R/2020/286 on 13 Nov 2020, for the headlight adjustment may not meet the specification. You can also see every Mercedes-Benz recall, all recalls launched in 2020 and software recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2020/285, launched 13 November 2020. 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.