Mercedes-Benz Korea, the local importer of the German luxury automobile brand, is recalling 42 cars sold in South Korea for problems with engine compartment seals, the transportation ministry said Sunday.

According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the rubber seals on some cars have been found to fall off and come in contact with parts of the engine that can cause a fire.

The recall affects 39 E300 4Matic mid-size sedans, two E300s with rear-wheel drive and one CLS400 Coupe, all made in April of this year.

Besides the Mercedes-Benz vehicles, BMW Motorrad, the motorcycle arm of the BMW Group, will recall nine G650GS bikes made between March 11, 2013 and Aug. 26, 2013, the ministry said. The bikes may have problems with the electronic control unit software that can cause the engine to turn off during idling.

The ministry said owners of the Mercedes-Benz vehicles affected can get free repairs starting Monday, while BMW Motorrad will start offering checkups on Friday.

In addition, Japan's Mitsubishi Motors Corp. will recall 120 of its Eclipse sport compacts made between Sept. 16, 2008 and Dec. 18 of the same year. These cars have been found to have problems with the anti-lock brake hydraulic-modulator that can degrade braking performance. Owners of Eclipse vehicles can get free service starting on Sept 18, the ministry said. (Yonhap)