Mercedes-Benz is recalling 1.3 million vehicles worldwide - including 58,000 in the UK.

Models affected are those with six and eight-cylinder petrol engines built between June 2001 and November 2004 in order for checks on the voltage regulator in the alternator and if necessary replacement.

On E-Class and CLS-Class models made from January 2002 to January 2005, new battery control unit software is to be added to enhance the on-board power supply.

In addition, the braking systems on E-Class, SL-Class and CLS-Class models from the production period June 2001 to March 2005 are also to be updated.

The company is stressing that the recall is due to potential problems identified on the production line - but is also down to a determination to ensure quality standards.

Head of Mercedes-Benz, Dr Eckhard Cordes, says: "We are now producing the best product quality ever and our aim is to ensure that those vehicles in the hands of customers which are the cause of complaints achieve a standard of quality that reflects our highest expectations."

Customers are being told by letter during the next fortnight of the need to take the affected models to dealers for checks.