CHINA/GERMANY RECALL - Mercedes to recall 149,000 E-Class and CLS models due to safety reasons.

Daimler-Benz is recalling about 149,000 Mercedes-Benz cars in China and Germany for safety reasons.

Daimler said insulating panel seals in the engine bay could come loose, and in rare cases could come into contact with hot components. The company said it was offering to secure the panels with four brackets, which would take about 15 minutes and would be free for customers.

Daimler knew of 127,000 affected E-class and CLS vehicles in China and 22,000 in Germany, the automaker said on Monday.