URGENT: NHTSA Opens investigation into fuel leaks on the W211 E Class
#382
NHTSA update: preliminary eval to engineering analysis
Looks like the feds are starting to listen and our complaints are getting traction, as of today, here's the latest update on the fuel smell issue from the NHTSA:
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/pr...h&summary=true
Report Date : April 6, 2014 at 09:25 AM
NHTSA Action Number : EA13003 NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A
Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
MERCEDES BENZ / E320 2003-2005
MERCEDES BENZ / E350 2006-2008
MERCEDES BENZ / E500 2003-2006
MERCEDES BENZ / E55 2003-2006
MERCEDES BENZ / E550 2007-2008
MERCEDES BENZ / E63 2007-2008
Manufacturer(s) :
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
Component(s) :
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE DELIVERY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Date Investigation Opened : March 15, 2013
Date Investigation Closed : Open
Summary:
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation as PE 12-001 based on 20 consumer reports. The subject vehicles were the model year (MY) 2003-2006 E55 AMG model and the complainants alleged fuel leaks or a strong odor of gasoline both inside and outside of their vehicle, particularly after refueling. Some reports alleged that the leaks may be related to a Mercedes Benz 2008 emission recall (Campaign No. 2008020001) involving the fuel filter module. This recall pertained to MY 2003-2006 E and CLS AMG models only. These AMG models use a different fuel pump and fuel filter module than the non-AMG E-Class however they share other fuel system components, including the fuel tank. To date ODI has identified an additional 350 reports relevant to this investigation. Of those reports, 116 reports are on the E55 AMG model. The remaining 234 reports are on other E-Class models, such as E320, E350, E500, E550 and E63. Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 12-001 has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis to further study the alleged defect. The ODI reports cited above, and listed on the attached document, can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID.
If you haven't registered online your W211 online, please follow this link and get your complaint filed with the NHTSA:
https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/ (direct link)
http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Owners (general link)
The more complaints filed, the more likely we are to get a resolution with pressure from the NHTSA to Mercedes. Spread the word.
In the meantime, I'll continue to fill my gas tank 3/4 full.
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/pr...h&summary=true
Report Date : April 6, 2014 at 09:25 AM
NHTSA Action Number : EA13003 NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A
Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
MERCEDES BENZ / E320 2003-2005
MERCEDES BENZ / E350 2006-2008
MERCEDES BENZ / E500 2003-2006
MERCEDES BENZ / E55 2003-2006
MERCEDES BENZ / E550 2007-2008
MERCEDES BENZ / E63 2007-2008
Manufacturer(s) :
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
Component(s) :
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE DELIVERY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Date Investigation Opened : March 15, 2013
Date Investigation Closed : Open
Summary:
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation as PE 12-001 based on 20 consumer reports. The subject vehicles were the model year (MY) 2003-2006 E55 AMG model and the complainants alleged fuel leaks or a strong odor of gasoline both inside and outside of their vehicle, particularly after refueling. Some reports alleged that the leaks may be related to a Mercedes Benz 2008 emission recall (Campaign No. 2008020001) involving the fuel filter module. This recall pertained to MY 2003-2006 E and CLS AMG models only. These AMG models use a different fuel pump and fuel filter module than the non-AMG E-Class however they share other fuel system components, including the fuel tank. To date ODI has identified an additional 350 reports relevant to this investigation. Of those reports, 116 reports are on the E55 AMG model. The remaining 234 reports are on other E-Class models, such as E320, E350, E500, E550 and E63. Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 12-001 has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis to further study the alleged defect. The ODI reports cited above, and listed on the attached document, can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID.
If you haven't registered online your W211 online, please follow this link and get your complaint filed with the NHTSA:
https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/ (direct link)
http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Owners (general link)
The more complaints filed, the more likely we are to get a resolution with pressure from the NHTSA to Mercedes. Spread the word.
In the meantime, I'll continue to fill my gas tank 3/4 full.
Last edited by amg_w211; 04-06-2014 at 09:32 AM.
#383
Super Member
It's about damned time they're listening. What's probably helping is the scrutiny they're under over the most recent GM debacle and their role in it.
#384
Did everyone see MB's law firm November response where 20% of the text is redacted?
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs...003-58167P.pdf
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs...003-58167P.pdf
#386
MBWorld Fanatic!
At least we have some momentum here. I just hope there comes a time where they stop upgrading the status of the issue and do something about it.
#387
Ok guys update. Rear seat was removed and the pressure sensor was leaking. The part was only available with the fuel tank. That's it for details. I have never known a fuel tank to have a pressure sensor. I'm assuming I have a new fuel pump,sender and all related components.
The estimated parts $3497.50
Again a huge thanks to hutchinshouse and RavenMDX
Chris
The estimated parts $3497.50
Again a huge thanks to hutchinshouse and RavenMDX
Chris
#388
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Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Murrieta, Southern California
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Late Built 2005 W-211 E-320 CDI
Mine is Leaking
Yes.
I believe that the CDIs fit into that leaking business just as all W-211s do.
I have not removed the rear seat yet, but when mine is filled up, it smells until the gauge is down to nearly half full. This just started recently.
I'm afraid to go to the dealer and ask.
Regards,
Derrel
I believe that the CDIs fit into that leaking business just as all W-211s do.
I have not removed the rear seat yet, but when mine is filled up, it smells until the gauge is down to nearly half full. This just started recently.
I'm afraid to go to the dealer and ask.
Regards,
Derrel
#391
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'00 ML320, '07 E550
Ok guys update. Rear seat was removed and the pressure sensor was leaking. The part was only available with the fuel tank. That's it for details. I have never known a fuel tank to have a pressure sensor. I'm assuming I have a new fuel pump,sender and all related components.
The estimated parts $3497.50
Again a huge thanks to hutchinshouse and RavenMDX
Chris
The estimated parts $3497.50
Again a huge thanks to hutchinshouse and RavenMDX
Chris
I dropped mine off for the same problem and of course it not under warranty and they want $1300 to replace the fuel pump and pressure sensor.
My is 2007 E550 but my data card does not show code 917, I can only see 915 which is larger tank. Not sure why
Anyone with E550 in CA can help to see if your has 917 code?
TIA
#392
Joining the battle.
2005 e500 ... exact same problem as being described by this thread.
I'm in NC but car is from Northern CA. Local MB dealership says I'm not covered under the original bulletin based on my VIN ( I don't understand why but no sense arguing with them ).
According to my service guy ( non mercedes dealership but specializing in MB ) the bulletin should cover all 211 chassis between 2003 and 2006. Is this not the case?
Calling MBUSA next.
Any other suggestions?
2005 e500 ... exact same problem as being described by this thread.
I'm in NC but car is from Northern CA. Local MB dealership says I'm not covered under the original bulletin based on my VIN ( I don't understand why but no sense arguing with them ).
According to my service guy ( non mercedes dealership but specializing in MB ) the bulletin should cover all 211 chassis between 2003 and 2006. Is this not the case?
Calling MBUSA next.
Any other suggestions?
#393
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: The Granite State
Posts: 1,835
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Joining the battle.
2005 e500 ... exact same problem as being described by this thread.
I'm in NC but car is from Northern CA. Local MB dealership says I'm not covered under the original bulletin based on my VIN ( I don't understand why but no sense arguing with them ).
According to my service guy ( non mercedes dealership but specializing in MB ) the bulletin should cover all 211 chassis between 2003 and 2006. Is this not the case?
Calling MBUSA next.
Any other suggestions?
2005 e500 ... exact same problem as being described by this thread.
I'm in NC but car is from Northern CA. Local MB dealership says I'm not covered under the original bulletin based on my VIN ( I don't understand why but no sense arguing with them ).
According to my service guy ( non mercedes dealership but specializing in MB ) the bulletin should cover all 211 chassis between 2003 and 2006. Is this not the case?
Calling MBUSA next.
Any other suggestions?
FILE AN OFFICIAL CLAIM WITH NHTSA!!!!!!!
There are a bunch of links that direct you there.... do it.
The number of filings just keeps growing and growing, and it's becoming clear that this is NOT just an AMG issue.... too many other W211-chassis cars are seeing the same problem.
It's clear now why MBZ didn't want to deal with this fuel issue honestly from the start. The sheer number of cars affected is staggering!
#394
Hey MBworld, long time reader, first time poster. Love this site.
Same issue on my 2005 E500. Took it to the dealer and they want $1,500 to replace the "in tank fuel sender and level assemblies both with seals". Called MBUSA and got a case manager who offered a goodwill discount of a couple hundred dollars. No way I am paying that much. IMO, a few reasons why WE should be very upset about this:
1. This is a faulty engineering design safety issue that Mercedes is refusing to acknowledge as their fault. I understand business is business, but a well respected automobile manufacturer should have a moral standard to withhold, which goes beyond the legal realm. However, it is clear that their priorities are very much biased over making money than the safety of their consumers. Think about it, who would you likely expect in the backseat (where the leak is/the smell is strongest) of an E class? Your children, maybe? I am not okay with them breathing in the fumes, but Mercedes is.
2. Why have a recall on E55 AMG and not the other models? Perhaps, Mercedes believes that E55 owners are more adamant with the well being of their cars, so Mercedes tries to hedge their losses by satisfying those who are most likely to pursue the case. Are the fuel tanks completely different between the E55 and the other W211s?
3. "In the years of 2010 and 2011, Daimler plans to spend a total of €9.7 billion on its research and development activities. €6.1 billion of that total will be spent at the Mercedes-Benz Cars division." (daimler.com)
Ok, €6.1b = $8.5b in R&D. How many W211 cars were sold in the US in total? Correct me if I am wrong, but ~300,000? So the estimate to fix my vehicle was $1,500, and remember, that is including the mark up of the dealership. But I've read SOME people were quoted at $3,000, which also includes the markup. So lets just make a very very conservative estimate of recall costs at 300,000 vehicles * $3,000 at each car which is $900,000. Hmmm. $900,000/$8,500,000,000 = .01%. Of course, some additional costs may have to be considered, but will it be very significant? That I am not sure, but at this cost, this recall would equal .01% of their yearly R&D budget. Just a thought.
4. To throw salt on my rusty, tetanus filled, **** stained knife stab wound, Mercedes even PROFITS from our misfortunes!!!! Of course, "Das Beste oder nichts". Thanks, Mercedes!
Excuse my rant, but I am just a bit upset about this. So, just my 4 cents on this issue. In the end, I would think it should be a simple decision for Mercedes to want to protect the people who buy their car. But hey, I guess that's why I won't ever become CEO of a $158,529,939,000.00/year in revenues company.
Get your complaint heard by the NHTSA. https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/
Same issue on my 2005 E500. Took it to the dealer and they want $1,500 to replace the "in tank fuel sender and level assemblies both with seals". Called MBUSA and got a case manager who offered a goodwill discount of a couple hundred dollars. No way I am paying that much. IMO, a few reasons why WE should be very upset about this:
1. This is a faulty engineering design safety issue that Mercedes is refusing to acknowledge as their fault. I understand business is business, but a well respected automobile manufacturer should have a moral standard to withhold, which goes beyond the legal realm. However, it is clear that their priorities are very much biased over making money than the safety of their consumers. Think about it, who would you likely expect in the backseat (where the leak is/the smell is strongest) of an E class? Your children, maybe? I am not okay with them breathing in the fumes, but Mercedes is.
2. Why have a recall on E55 AMG and not the other models? Perhaps, Mercedes believes that E55 owners are more adamant with the well being of their cars, so Mercedes tries to hedge their losses by satisfying those who are most likely to pursue the case. Are the fuel tanks completely different between the E55 and the other W211s?
3. "In the years of 2010 and 2011, Daimler plans to spend a total of €9.7 billion on its research and development activities. €6.1 billion of that total will be spent at the Mercedes-Benz Cars division." (daimler.com)
Ok, €6.1b = $8.5b in R&D. How many W211 cars were sold in the US in total? Correct me if I am wrong, but ~300,000? So the estimate to fix my vehicle was $1,500, and remember, that is including the mark up of the dealership. But I've read SOME people were quoted at $3,000, which also includes the markup. So lets just make a very very conservative estimate of recall costs at 300,000 vehicles * $3,000 at each car which is $900,000. Hmmm. $900,000/$8,500,000,000 = .01%. Of course, some additional costs may have to be considered, but will it be very significant? That I am not sure, but at this cost, this recall would equal .01% of their yearly R&D budget. Just a thought.
4. To throw salt on my rusty, tetanus filled, **** stained knife stab wound, Mercedes even PROFITS from our misfortunes!!!! Of course, "Das Beste oder nichts". Thanks, Mercedes!
Excuse my rant, but I am just a bit upset about this. So, just my 4 cents on this issue. In the end, I would think it should be a simple decision for Mercedes to want to protect the people who buy their car. But hey, I guess that's why I won't ever become CEO of a $158,529,939,000.00/year in revenues company.
Get your complaint heard by the NHTSA. https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/
Last edited by sirhjob; 05-01-2014 at 01:54 PM. Reason: NHTSA link
#395
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On the E55, replacement of the in-tank filter is REQUIRED SERVICE at 60,000 miles.... I'm not sure if the same is true for the standard E-Class cars or not.
It's a numbers game.
MBZ knows that as the cars get older, people will be forced to replace fuel filters as part of normal maintenance anyway.... and if the new parts solve the issue and prevent leaks, their financial exposure gets smaller and smaller.
-G
It's a numbers game.
MBZ knows that as the cars get older, people will be forced to replace fuel filters as part of normal maintenance anyway.... and if the new parts solve the issue and prevent leaks, their financial exposure gets smaller and smaller.
-G
#396
Joining the battle.
2005 e500 ... exact same problem as being described by this thread.
I'm in NC but car is from Northern CA. Local MB dealership says I'm not covered under the original bulletin based on my VIN ( I don't understand why but no sense arguing with them ).
According to my service guy ( non mercedes dealership but specializing in MB ) the bulletin should cover all 211 chassis between 2003 and 2006. Is this not the case?
Calling MBUSA next.
Any other suggestions?
2005 e500 ... exact same problem as being described by this thread.
I'm in NC but car is from Northern CA. Local MB dealership says I'm not covered under the original bulletin based on my VIN ( I don't understand why but no sense arguing with them ).
According to my service guy ( non mercedes dealership but specializing in MB ) the bulletin should cover all 211 chassis between 2003 and 2006. Is this not the case?
Calling MBUSA next.
Any other suggestions?
#397
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2004 CL600, 2008 W211, 2008 Armada, 2006 SLK350 w/ AMG pkg, 1949 willys
Hi All, Attached is a picture of the sending unit in my 08 E350. I originally posted this in an older forum by mistake. The color of the plastic is black and there are no stains or oder. Looks like it is ok. I took the passenger side cover off and there is nothing there. Looking at an 06 E55, before I buy it I'll look under the seat and inspect it.
#398
Super Member
Hey MBworld, long time reader, first time poster. Love this site.
Same issue on my 2005 E500. Took it to the dealer and they want $1,500 to replace the "in tank fuel sender and level assemblies both with seals". Called MBUSA and got a case manager who offered a goodwill discount of a couple hundred dollars. No way I am paying that much. IMO, a few reasons why WE should be very upset about this:
1. This is a faulty engineering design safety issue that Mercedes is refusing to acknowledge as their fault. I understand business is business, but a well respected automobile manufacturer should have a moral standard to withhold, which goes beyond the legal realm. However, it is clear that their priorities are very much biased over making money than the safety of their consumers. Think about it, who would you likely expect in the backseat (where the leak is/the smell is strongest) of an E class? Your children, maybe? I am not okay with them breathing in the fumes, but Mercedes is.
2. Why have a recall on E55 AMG and not the other models? Perhaps, Mercedes believes that E55 owners are more adamant with the well being of their cars, so Mercedes tries to hedge their losses by satisfying those who are most likely to pursue the case. Are the fuel tanks completely different between the E55 and the other W211s?
3. "In the years of 2010 and 2011, Daimler plans to spend a total of €9.7 billion on its research and development activities. €6.1 billion of that total will be spent at the Mercedes-Benz Cars division." (daimler.com)
Ok, €6.1b = $8.5b in R&D. How many W211 cars were sold in the US in total? Correct me if I am wrong, but ~300,000? So the estimate to fix my vehicle was $1,500, and remember, that is including the mark up of the dealership. But I've read SOME people were quoted at $3,000, which also includes the markup. So lets just make a very very conservative estimate of recall costs at 300,000 vehicles * $3,000 at each car which is $900,000. Hmmm. $900,000/$8,500,000,000 = .01%. Of course, some additional costs may have to be considered, but will it be very significant? That I am not sure, but at this cost, this recall would equal .01% of their yearly R&D budget. Just a thought.
4. To throw salt on my rusty, tetanus filled, **** stained knife stab wound, Mercedes even PROFITS from our misfortunes!!!! Of course, "Das Beste oder nichts". Thanks, Mercedes!
Excuse my rant, but I am just a bit upset about this. So, just my 4 cents on this issue. In the end, I would think it should be a simple decision for Mercedes to want to protect the people who buy their car. But hey, I guess that's why I won't ever become CEO of a $158,529,939,000.00/year in revenues company.
Get your complaint heard by the NHTSA. https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/
Same issue on my 2005 E500. Took it to the dealer and they want $1,500 to replace the "in tank fuel sender and level assemblies both with seals". Called MBUSA and got a case manager who offered a goodwill discount of a couple hundred dollars. No way I am paying that much. IMO, a few reasons why WE should be very upset about this:
1. This is a faulty engineering design safety issue that Mercedes is refusing to acknowledge as their fault. I understand business is business, but a well respected automobile manufacturer should have a moral standard to withhold, which goes beyond the legal realm. However, it is clear that their priorities are very much biased over making money than the safety of their consumers. Think about it, who would you likely expect in the backseat (where the leak is/the smell is strongest) of an E class? Your children, maybe? I am not okay with them breathing in the fumes, but Mercedes is.
2. Why have a recall on E55 AMG and not the other models? Perhaps, Mercedes believes that E55 owners are more adamant with the well being of their cars, so Mercedes tries to hedge their losses by satisfying those who are most likely to pursue the case. Are the fuel tanks completely different between the E55 and the other W211s?
3. "In the years of 2010 and 2011, Daimler plans to spend a total of €9.7 billion on its research and development activities. €6.1 billion of that total will be spent at the Mercedes-Benz Cars division." (daimler.com)
Ok, €6.1b = $8.5b in R&D. How many W211 cars were sold in the US in total? Correct me if I am wrong, but ~300,000? So the estimate to fix my vehicle was $1,500, and remember, that is including the mark up of the dealership. But I've read SOME people were quoted at $3,000, which also includes the markup. So lets just make a very very conservative estimate of recall costs at 300,000 vehicles * $3,000 at each car which is $900,000. Hmmm. $900,000/$8,500,000,000 = .01%. Of course, some additional costs may have to be considered, but will it be very significant? That I am not sure, but at this cost, this recall would equal .01% of their yearly R&D budget. Just a thought.
4. To throw salt on my rusty, tetanus filled, **** stained knife stab wound, Mercedes even PROFITS from our misfortunes!!!! Of course, "Das Beste oder nichts". Thanks, Mercedes!
Excuse my rant, but I am just a bit upset about this. So, just my 4 cents on this issue. In the end, I would think it should be a simple decision for Mercedes to want to protect the people who buy their car. But hey, I guess that's why I won't ever become CEO of a $158,529,939,000.00/year in revenues company.
Get your complaint heard by the NHTSA. https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/
$900,000,000 not $900,000 as you stated.
#399
Filed, but my car is 03. Only noticed it for the last year or so. The garage smells worse than the gas station. No way I'd shell out 3k for this repair.
Last edited by asdf; 05-07-2014 at 01:03 AM.
#400
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03 E500 and Corvette
recall of 300,000 cars at $3,000 each, the total is
$900,000,000 not $900,000 as you stated. ......................... And now you know why MB gives little response.
$900,000,000 not $900,000 as you stated. ......................... And now you know why MB gives little response.