F&I Management & Training

The recall is part of a global recall involving more than 100,000 C and E class cars made between the beginning of June last year and the end of February.

A Mercedes spokesman said the company's technicians in Stuttgart had identified a problem with a bolt in the power steering pump which had been working loose.

In these cases it would result in the power steering feeling sluggish and drivers would be most likely to notice the problem when parking.

There had been no complaints from customers and Mercedes believes the problem involves about one per cent of the cars it has recalled, the spokesman added.

"We are checking every single car and writing to all affected owners inviting them to bring their vehicles in to their local dealer.

"This is purely a precautionary matter and we are not aware of any incidents or accidents as a result of the problem."

The repair work, which entails tightening the bolt, will take no than 30 minutes.