GERMAN luxury automaker Mercedes Benz has recalled more than 100,000 vehicles worldwide, with 22,000 in Britain alone, because of problems with the vehicles’ power steering.

This comes hot on the heels of a recall by rival auto maker BMW in the US, where approximately 200,000 prestige vehicles were called in to fix leaks that could develop in its braking system

The Mercedes recall targets the Mercedes Benz C and E class cars made between the beginning of June last year and the end of February 2010, according to industry reports.

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, said the spokesman.

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.”

According to Mercedes, the repair work, which entails tightening the bolt, will take no longer than 30 minutes.

In a string of prestige car recalls in recent weeks, approximately 200,000 BMW vehicles are being recalled in the US due to a braking problem.

According to AP reports, the recall involves BMW 5 Series, 6 Series and 7 Series vehicles powered by V8 and V12 engines from the 2002-2010 model years and certain Rolls-Royce motor cars from the 2003-2010 model years.

The leading German luxury automaker said in a statement that a leak could develop in the power braking system, resulting in a vacuum loss and the reduction of power braking assistance. Mechanical braking is still available to slow and stop the vehicle, the company insisted.

BMW said there have been no reports of accidents or injuries.

BMW made the official recall two weeks ago and said it had prepared an inspection-and-repair procedure and would distribute replacement parts throughout its North American dealer network.

“Owners will be notified by mail in the coming weeks and asked to schedule an appointment with their dealer to check their vehicle.”

Vehicles covered by the US recall include: 2002-2008 BMW 745i/Li, 750i/Li and 760i/Li;

2007-2008 BMW Alpina B7;

2004-2010 BMW 645i and 650i; and 2004-2010 BMW 545i and 550i.

Rolls Royce, a BMW subsidiary, also recalled 1,300 Phantoms, attributed to a braking problem.

And late last month Bentley recalled 1,500 of its vehicles amid fears that the distinctive “Flying B” that adorns the bonnet of its cars could shake loose, becoming a dangerous missile in the event of an accident.