Another diesel vehicle from Daimler is suspected of driving with an illegal defeat device. According to a report of the "BamS" this concerns the transporter Mercedes Sprinter. The vehicles with the emission standard Euro 5, which were manufactured until 2016, are to use a "inadmissible shut-off device" according to a letter of the Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) to Daimler of 25 September, as the newspaper reported. This affects 260,000 vans in Europe, of which 100,000 in Germany.
As a result, the KBA complains about a computer function for the control of the Sprinter engine OM 651. It ensures that the limit value for nitrogen oxides of 180 milligrams per kilometer is complied with only during the statutory test cycle, but not in daily operation.
A company spokesman in Stuttgart confirmed on Sunday on request that the KBA had opened a hearing in the case. It is about 260,000 vehicles of the previous model of the current Sprinters, which was built between 2006 and 2018. Daimler had already presented the functionality of the exhaust gas cleaning system to the KBA in May 2018 "and subsequently explained it in more detail in further discussions since the summer of 2018", the spokesman stated.
870 million euro penalty for Daimler
As early as June, the KBA ordered a mandatory recall with immediate effect for around 60,000 Mercedes-Benz GLK 220 SUVs. In connection with the order for the GLK, Daimler "already informed that the contested functionality contained in various series and an exam announced," said the spokesman. For the sprinters in question "this test was completed and the KBA has now also opened a consultation process," it said.
In the wake of the diesel scandal Stuttgart public prosecutor had imposed a fine of 870 million euros against Daimler in September. The reason was a negligent breach of supervision in a vehicle certification department. This led, according to the prosecutor, that the diesel vehicles were granted permits, although the emission of nitrogen oxides in the cars partially complied with the rules.
