Internal

News Channel Update |

Vehicle Compliance & Analysis

TO: Mercedes-Benz Dealer Principals, General Managers, Sales
Managers, Service Managers, Parts Managers
RE: Emission Modification Notification – [[2020050027]]
MY 13 E350 BlueTec Update – Emission Modification
Category (EMC) #7

FROM: Gregory Gunther, Department Manager, Vehicle
Compliance and Analysis, Engineering Services
DATE: April 7, 2022

IMPORTANT EMISSION MODIFICATION NOTIFICATION
Attention Dealership Management
•
•

•
•
•
•
•

•

Please ensure that every dealership associate is aware of this Emission Modification notification, and that customerfacing associates provide transparent information to Customers.
Refer to VMI in NetStar to determine which units in your inventory are affected by this Emission Modification. This
notification hereby instructs Dealers not to sell or cause to be sold, or lease or cause to be leased, or
introduce into commerce, or export from the United States to another country, any vehicle covered by this
notification, unless it has received the Approved Emission Modification described in this notification. Failure to
adhere to these instructions may result in possible penalties or fines.
Run a VMI check on all vehicles brought into your Service Department to determine if they are affected by any
service campaign or recall and perform accordingly.
Always act with the principles of Customer Experience in mind.
Refer to the work instructions and ensure each step in the defined process is followed exactly as described. Steps
such as affixing the vehicle label and correctly filling out the vehicle label must be adhered to. Failure to adhere
to these instructions may result in possible penalties or fines.
Ensure your warranty administrator submits warranty claims for this Emission Modification in a timely manner.
Extended warranty applicability stated herein is automatically enabled once the Approved Emission Modification is
completed and the warranty claim is processed.
A proposed class action settlement has been filed that provides compensation to customers who receive the
Emission Modification and meet certain other requirements. To receive such compensation, class members will
need to submit (among other things) copies of their Repair Order showing proof that the Emission Modification was
installed and (if any) proof of transportation expenses incurred to receive the Emission Modification—up to $35—in
the event that a loaner, shuttle, or alternative transportation cannot be arranged by your dealership. Please remind
customers to save this documentation.
Customers should not be given information about the Emission Modification or the class settlement that deviates
from, or is in addition to, what is in authorized communications reflected in this NCU or the official websites:
www.mbbluetecsettlement.com and www.BlueTecUpdate.mbusa.com. Failure to adhere to this instruction
could threaten final implementation of the settlement and may result in possible penalties.

Other than the benefits class members can claim through the class action settlement process, customers cannot be
offered any compensation in exchange for receiving the Emission Modification. Failure to adhere to this instruction
may result in possible penalties. (At their discretion and on a case-by-case basis, Dealers can continue to offer
customers goodwill for other reasons consistent with normal business practices and policies, but additional
compensation in exchange for receiving the Emissions Modification is prohibited.)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
One Mercedes-Benz Drive

A Mercedes-Benz Group AG Company

Sandy Springs, GA 30328

770.705.0600

Internal

News Channel Update |

Vehicle Compliance & Analysis

Information for Customers:
•
•
•

For information related to this specific Emission Modification, Customers can refer to:
https://BlueTecUpdate.mbusa.com
For information related to the proposed class action settlement, Customers can refer to:
www.mbbluetecsettlement.com
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center: 1-833-841-9362

Please note that all customer inquiries should be directed to the Customer Assistance Center at 1-833-841-9362.
Sincerely,
Gregory Gunther
Department Manager, Vehicle Compliance & Analysis

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
One Mercedes-Benz Drive

A Mercedes-Benz Group AG Company

Sandy Springs, GA 30328

770.705.0600

Internal

News Channel Update |

Vehicle Compliance & Analysis

Emission Modification Notification
Campaign No.:

EMC#

Campaign Desc. :

2020050027

7

19P4992018

April 7, 2022

BlueTEC Update – MY13 E (W212)

This is to notify you of an Emission Modification Notification to update the emission control system on approximately 1267 Model Year (“MY”)
2013 E350 BlueTEC (W212) diesel vehicles. Emission Modification information will be visible on the https://BlueTecUpdate.mbusa.com
website and may generate questions from Owners and Lessees. Affected VINs will be flagged in VMI as “OPEN” on April 7, 2022.

Background

Issue
What We’re Doing
Parts

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (“MBUSA”) is modifying the emission control system on certain diesel vehicles.
The Emission Modification for MY13 E350 BlueTEC (W212) vehicles has been approved by EPA and CARB,
and is now ready for installation. An authorized Mercedes-Benz Dealer will install the Emission Modification
at no cost to the Owner/Lessee.
An authorized Mercedes-Benz Dealer will replace certain emission control system components and update
certain software in eligible vehicles.
Parts are available as of 4/7/2022

Vehicles Affected
Vehicle Model Year(s)
Vehicle Model

MY 2013
E350 BlueTEC (W212)

Total Campaign Population

1267

Total Customer Vehicles in
Campaign

1267

Vehicle Populations

Next Steps/Notes
Customer Notification Timeline

Customer letters will begin to be mailed on April 7, 2022.

AOMS/SOMS

This Emission Modification Notification may initiate questions from customers and the media. Please
ensure your Dealers have read and understand this notice.

Notes

• IMPORTANT: This notification hereby instructs Dealers not to sell or cause to be sold, or lease or cause to be
leased, or introduce into commerce, or export from the United States to another country, any vehicle covered by this
notification, unless it has received the Approved Emission Modification described in this notification. Failure to
adhere to these instructions may result in possible penalties or fines.
• Follow ALL steps of the work instructions.
• More information about a class action settlement providing incentives to customers who receive the Emission
Modification can be found at www.mbbluetecsettlement.com
• Emission Modification information:
• Mercedes-Benz specific emission modification related information: https://BlueTecUpdate.mbusa.com
• Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center: 1-833-841-9362

While we regret any inconvenience this may cause, MBUSA is determined to maintain a high level of vehicle quality and customer satisfaction.
Please refer all customer inquiries to the Customer Assistance Center at 1-833-841-9362.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
One Mercedes-Benz Drive

A Mercedes-Benz Group AG Company

Sandy Springs, GA 30328

770.705.0600

Internal

News Channel Update |

Vehicle Compliance & Analysis
DEALER FAQs

What is the reason for this Emission Modification?
On March 9, 2021, Daimler AG (“DAG”) and Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (“MBUSA”) reached a settlement with the
United States Department of Justice (“DOJ”), the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), the California Air
Resources Board (“CARB”), and the California Attorney General’s Office (“CA AG”) regarding the emission control
system in MY09 to MY16 OM642 and OM651 BlueTEC II diesel vehicles sold or leased in the US. As part of this
settlement, MBUSA is offering eligible Owners and Lessees a modification to the vehicles’ emission control system,
referred to as an Emission Modification.
Eligible vehicles and vehicle model years have been separated into Emission Modification Categories (“EMCs”) to
facilitate the Emission Modification Program. Each EMC will be launched in phases, and MBUSA will notify authorized
Mercedes-Benz Dealers after agency approval of each Emission Modification. Please refer to our public website
https://BlueTecUpdate.mbusa.com for more information on your particular vehicle.
Is this a recall?
No, this is NOT a recall. As part of the settlement with the US authorities, DAG and MBUSA are offering eligible
vehicle Owners/Lessees a modification to the vehicles’ emission control system, referred to as an Approved Emission
Modification (AEM). This modification will be performed at no cost to the Owner/Lessee.
What is an “EMC”?
To facilitate the Emission Modifications on the subject vehicle population, the vehicle models and model years have
been separated into Emission Modification Categories.
What are the eligible vehicles that will receive an Emission Modification under this settlement?
This settlement pertains specifically to MY09 to MY16 BlueTEC II diesel vehicles with OM642 and OM651 engines
sold or leased in the US. For more information, please visit https://BlueTecUpdate.mbusa.com.
How will the Emission Modification be communicated to Owners and Lessees in the US?
Owners/Lessees will first receive a letter in the mail indicating that the Emission Modification is available for their
vehicle and inviting them to schedule an appointment with their preferred authorized Mercedes-Benz Dealer.
How do Owners and Lessees find out whether their vehicle is affected by the Emission Modification
Campaign?
Owners and Lessees with affected vehicles will be mailed a notification letter when the Emission Modification is
available. Owners and Lessees can also check if their vehicle is affected by entering their VIN into the following site:
https://BlueTecUpdate.mbusa.com.
All vehicles covered by the Emission Modification Program also are covered by the proposed class action settlement
described herein.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
One Mercedes-Benz Drive

A Mercedes-Benz Group AG Company

Sandy Springs, GA 30328

770.705.0600

Internal

News Channel Update |

Vehicle Compliance & Analysis

Owners and Lessees might complain about a Check Engine light; will the Dealer repair the vehicle as part of
the emissions update?
A Check Engine light can illuminate for a number of reasons. Authorized Mercedes-Benz Dealers can offer assistance
diagnosing and repairing the issue.
Can an Owner or Lessee get a loaner vehicle or alternate transportation while the Emission Modification is
being performed?
Where loaner vehicles are available, Dealers are requested to offer loaner vehicles to each Eligible Owner and Eligible
Lessee at no cost where the implementation of the Approved Emission Modification will take 3 hours or longer to
complete.
In an instance where the Approved Emission Modification takes 3 hours or longer to complete, and where the Dealer
does not make available a loaner car or offer a shuttle service or alternative transportation, Class Members will be
eligible to submit a claim for transportation costs of up to $35 along with their claims for other settlement
compensation. For more information on the transportation allowance, customers should visit the class action
settlement website at www.mbbluetecsettlement.com, and should be reminded to save their receipts.
What is Mercedes-Benz going to do for Owners and Lessees given this inconvenience?
Dealers will attempt to minimize any inconvenience during the Emission Modification process. Should Owners or
Lessees experience an excessive delay with the Emission Modification of their vehicle, they can contact our Customer
Assistance Center at 1-833-841-9362.
As part of the proposed consumer class action resolution, current owners and lessees of eligible vehicles who go to
authorized Mercedes-Benz Dealers, have an Approved Emission Modification installed, and meet certain other
requirements will be eligible to claim a payment of up to $3,590. For more information on eligibility and the process
for filing a claim, customers should call the number above or visit the class action settlement website at
www.mbbluetecsettlement.com.
Other than the benefits that class members can claim through the class action settlement process, customers cannot
be offered any compensation in exchange for receiving the Emission Modification. Failure to adhere to this
instruction may result in possible penalties. At their discretion and on a case-by-case basis, Dealers can continue
to offer customers goodwill for other reasons consistent with normal business practices and policies, but additional
compensation in exchange for receiving the Emission Modification is prohibited.
Where can an Owner or Lessee have the Emission Modification work completed?
Owners and Lessees will be asked to contact their local preferred authorized Mercedes-Benz Dealer to arrange for an
appointment to complete the FREE Emission Modification.
Can Owners and Lessees have the Emission Modification performed if they did not receive a Notification
Letter in the mail but own a Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC diesel vehicle?
Owners and Lessees should first check the eligibility and status of their vehicle by visiting
https://BlueTecUpdate.mbusa.com. To be automatically alerted when the Emission Modification is available for their
vehicle, Owners and Lessees are being asked to complete the “Keep me Updated” section of the website after
entering their VIN to check the status.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
One Mercedes-Benz Drive

A Mercedes-Benz Group AG Company

Sandy Springs, GA 30328

770.705.0600

Internal

News Channel Update |

Vehicle Compliance & Analysis

Do Owners and Lessees have to wait for the notification letter in the mail before their vehicle can receive
the Emissions Modification?
Owners and Lessees do not need to present a copy of the notification letter to receive the FREE Emission
Modification, but they should wait to bring their vehicle in for the Emission Modification until they receive notice that
the Emission Modification has been launched for their specific vehicle model. The Emission Modifications will be
launched in phases, pending agency approval, so the Emission Modifications for all of the subject vehicle models (all
MY09 to MY16 BlueTEC II diesel vehicles with OM642 and OM651 engines sold or leased in the US) will not be
launched at the same time. Once the Emission Modification has been approved for a particular vehicle type, Owners
and Lessees will be sent a letter asking them to schedule an appointment with their authorized Mercedes-Benz Dealer
to perform the FREE Emission Modification.
Do Owners or Lessees need the Owner/Lessee notification letter to have the Emission Modification
performed?
No, Owners and Lessees with eligible vehicles do not need the notification letter to have the FREE Emission
Modification completed. Local authorized Mercedes-Benz Dealers can check the eligibility and status of vehicles
without the letter.
What about Owners or Lessees who request that the Emission Modification be performed without first
receiving a letter?
No Emission Modification can be performed until EPA and CARB approve the Emission Modification for the specific
model. Similarly, the affected VIN must be flagged as “OPEN” in VMI with the respective Emission Modification
campaign number for the modification to be performed.
When will parts be available?
Parts are currently available for the Emission Modifications which have been approved by EPA and CARB. We will
provide updates as parts become available for other vehicle models.
Regarding all other future vehicle categories, MBUSA is working with EPA and CARB to obtain approvals for the
Emission Modification. MBUSA will notify Dealers upon approval of each Emission Modification that the Emission
Modification has become available.
For up-to-date parts availability information, please refer to the website https://BlueTecUpdate.mbusa.com.
Are there any known vehicle symptoms associated with the Emission Modification that Owners or Lessees
will notice that should lead them to stop driving or take their vehicle to a Dealer?
No. There are no symptoms related to the Emission Modification.
What is the expected impact on an Owner’s or Lessee’s vehicle after the Emission Modification has been
performed?
Details on the impact to vehicles are provided in the letter for each Emission Modification Category. A copy of the
Owner/Lessee letter for the EMC subject to this FAQ is attached.
What types of repairs or replacements are needed?
Authorized Mercedes-Benz Dealers will replace specific emissions-related components. This varies by model and
model year. For more information, please visit https://BlueTecUpdate.mbusa.com.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
One Mercedes-Benz Drive

A Mercedes-Benz Group AG Company

Sandy Springs, GA 30328

770.705.0600

Internal

News Channel Update |

Vehicle Compliance & Analysis

How long does this Emission Modification take?
Replacement time is dependent upon the model and model year. This time may range from 30 minutes to a
maximum of 12.5 hours. Details are provided in the Owner/Lessee notification letter.
What if vehicles have been modified using after-market parts and/or software? Can the Emission
Modification still be performed?
If, prior to receiving the Emission Modification, the vehicle has been modified in a manner that impedes the
installation of the AEM or substantially affects the operation of the AEM after install (for example, removal of original
emissions components not part of the AEM), dealers might not be able to perform the Emission Modification until the
prior modifications are corrected. The Owners/Lessees would be responsible for such corrections. Once corrected,
the vehicle may receive the Emission Modification.
What if Owners or Lessees decline to have the Emission Modification performed?
If Owners/Lessees decline the Emission Modification at this time, they will be advised by their authorized MercedesBenz Dealer that certain emissions-related replacement and repair parts (for their existing system) may no longer be
available from Mercedes-Benz at some point in the future. Additionally, the current vehicle Owner/Lessee will not be
able to make a compensation claim as part of the proposed class action settlement without first having the Emission
Modification performed on their vehicle.
Will eligible vehicles have any warranty on the Emission Modification?
Yes. Once the Emission Modification is performed, certain components will have an extended warranty for the
greater of 4 years/48,000 miles from the date of installation of the Emission Modification or 10 years/120,000 miles
from the initial sale date of the vehicle. As described in the Customer Letter, some emission-related components
have an additional extended warranty period, which is added to the applicable Extended Modification Warranty period
above. This extended warranty remains with the vehicle and is fully transferable to subsequent owners until
expiration. Where loaner vehicles are available, Dealers are requested to offer loaner vehicles to each Eligible Owner
and Eligible Lessee at no cost where extended warranty repairs exceed three hours to complete.
Can Owners or Lessees be denied coverage under the Extended Warranty for the Emission Modification?
The Extended Warranty for the Emission Modification may be denied if an eligible vehicle has been altered with the
use of any after-market emissions-related components, parts, and/or software, or with the removal of any original
emissions-related components, parts, and/or software, and such alteration(s) are likely to substantially affect the
operation of the vehicle with the Emission Modifications, until the owner of such vehicle, at his or her expense, has