Fumes In Cabin - 4 Garages Have Said The Car Is Perfect
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2
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W203 C220 CDI
Fumes In Cabin - 4 Garages Have Said The Car Is Perfect
Hi There
I'm really really hoping someone can help. I have now spent the last two months going back and forth to garages to try and fix the fume smell coming into my car. Its giving me severe headaches! and i have to keep all the windows right down to prevent me feeling ill. I have asked 4 different garages to check everything but no one can find anything wrong at all i have even tried two mercedes specialists. There is a tiny gearbox leak underneath but they said it would'nt cause smell?
The car is a w203 c220 cdi 2002 estate.
When i purchased the car it had some smell from injectors when stopping at traffic lights. I have had new seals on the injectors and one of the injectors replaced and then the smell was perfect!!
The next thing that happened was that the fuel line started letting in air at the fuel pump. This was when the latest smell came on. When the fuel lines were replaced to fix the turnover problem the smell has not gone away but there is no diesel or injector smell just what i can think of maybe exhaust or oil ?
The engine has also been steam cleaned and looking perfect but this has not helped anything..
Any Ideas Please...I really cant keep driving with this smell and will be forced to give the car away.......
I'm really really hoping someone can help. I have now spent the last two months going back and forth to garages to try and fix the fume smell coming into my car. Its giving me severe headaches! and i have to keep all the windows right down to prevent me feeling ill. I have asked 4 different garages to check everything but no one can find anything wrong at all i have even tried two mercedes specialists. There is a tiny gearbox leak underneath but they said it would'nt cause smell?
The car is a w203 c220 cdi 2002 estate.
When i purchased the car it had some smell from injectors when stopping at traffic lights. I have had new seals on the injectors and one of the injectors replaced and then the smell was perfect!!
The next thing that happened was that the fuel line started letting in air at the fuel pump. This was when the latest smell came on. When the fuel lines were replaced to fix the turnover problem the smell has not gone away but there is no diesel or injector smell just what i can think of maybe exhaust or oil ?
The engine has also been steam cleaned and looking perfect but this has not helped anything..
Any Ideas Please...I really cant keep driving with this smell and will be forced to give the car away.......
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Check the seals on the fuel pump & sender units under the back seat on the saddle fuel tanks. Remove the lower seat squab & remove 2 round cover plates. The round tank top seals have been known to leak on some cars. There are two different sealing mechanisms depending on car MY.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,848
Likes: 15
From: Orange County
2005 C Wagon (No snickering please!)
I assume you have been over the car engine, fuel, exhaust, and vacuum system with a fine tooth comb. There are no rust perforations from under the car allowing air into the cabin and the like.
All the hydrocarbon odors are distinctive with the exception of CO. Carbon Monoxide is a colorless odorless gas that can be deadly. How is the weather seal around the rear hatch? If it is not tight as the North end of a Southbound duck during landing the exhaust fumes can enter.
If the stink is a musty dank basement smell you have molds living in the HVAC system. This is usually caused by poor drainage of the condensate water. Usually a problem for those in the tropics, it can occur at any latitude if water is allowed to stand. Other culprits are water in the carpets from condensate overflowing into the passenger foot well. I saw one car that had mushrooms growing in the carpet. The sunroof drains can also direct undesired water into cabin areas. (If you are in the UK, you probably don't have a sunroof.)
I hope you solve the problem before your health is impaired in any way.
All the hydrocarbon odors are distinctive with the exception of CO. Carbon Monoxide is a colorless odorless gas that can be deadly. How is the weather seal around the rear hatch? If it is not tight as the North end of a Southbound duck during landing the exhaust fumes can enter.
If the stink is a musty dank basement smell you have molds living in the HVAC system. This is usually caused by poor drainage of the condensate water. Usually a problem for those in the tropics, it can occur at any latitude if water is allowed to stand. Other culprits are water in the carpets from condensate overflowing into the passenger foot well. I saw one car that had mushrooms growing in the carpet. The sunroof drains can also direct undesired water into cabin areas. (If you are in the UK, you probably don't have a sunroof.)
I hope you solve the problem before your health is impaired in any way.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
I assume you have been over the car engine, fuel, exhaust, and vacuum system with a fine tooth comb. There are no rust perforations from under the car allowing air into the cabin and the like.
All the hydrocarbon odors are distinctive with the exception of CO. Carbon Monoxide is a colorless odorless gas that can be deadly. How is the weather seal around the rear hatch? If it is not tight as the North end of a Southbound duck during landing the exhaust fumes can enter.
If the stink is a musty dank basement smell you have molds living in the HVAC system. This is usually caused by poor drainage of the condensate water. Usually a problem for those in the tropics, it can occur at any latitude if water is allowed to stand. Other culprits are water in the carpets from condensate overflowing into the passenger foot well. I saw one car that had mushrooms growing in the carpet. The sunroof drains can also direct undesired water into cabin areas. (If you are in the UK, you probably don't have a sunroof.)
I hope you solve the problem before your health is impaired in any way.
All the hydrocarbon odors are distinctive with the exception of CO. Carbon Monoxide is a colorless odorless gas that can be deadly. How is the weather seal around the rear hatch? If it is not tight as the North end of a Southbound duck during landing the exhaust fumes can enter.
If the stink is a musty dank basement smell you have molds living in the HVAC system. This is usually caused by poor drainage of the condensate water. Usually a problem for those in the tropics, it can occur at any latitude if water is allowed to stand. Other culprits are water in the carpets from condensate overflowing into the passenger foot well. I saw one car that had mushrooms growing in the carpet. The sunroof drains can also direct undesired water into cabin areas. (If you are in the UK, you probably don't have a sunroof.)
I hope you solve the problem before your health is impaired in any way.
If it's the dirty socks smell/odor of mould or bacteria in the HVAC system see the W203 Wiki for the fix.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2
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2004 E320
I too have had fuel smell in the cabin of my car, after a little research I found out that unfortunately I found out the fuel tank had to be replaced ! After doing further research I have found out that I am not the only one with this issue. Mercedes is aware of it as well. My recomondation is to contact the NHTSA 888-327-4236 and file a complaint. Many are having to pay the cost themselves but I have heard that if there are enough complaints something will have to be done to rectify the problem. My case number is 10544974. A leak of any kind is dangerous !
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 9
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From: Cape Town
2005 C280 W115 220 W115 220 W115 230.4 W115 240D/A W123 230 W123 300D/A W123 300D
Hi There
I'm really really hoping someone can help. I have now spent the last two months going back and forth to garages to try and fix the fume smell coming into my car. Its giving me severe headaches! and i have to keep all the windows right down to prevent me feeling ill. I have asked 4 different garages to check everything but no one can find anything wrong at all i have even tried two mercedes specialists. There is a tiny gearbox leak underneath but they said it would'nt cause smell?
The car is a w203 c220 cdi 2002 estate.
When i purchased the car it had some smell from injectors when stopping at traffic lights. I have had new seals on the injectors and one of the injectors replaced and then the smell was perfect!!
The next thing that happened was that the fuel line started letting in air at the fuel pump. This was when the latest smell came on. When the fuel lines were replaced to fix the turnover problem the smell has not gone away but there is no diesel or injector smell just what i can think of maybe exhaust or oil ?
The engine has also been steam cleaned and looking perfect but this has not helped anything..
Any Ideas Please...I really cant keep driving with this smell and will be forced to give the car away.......
I'm really really hoping someone can help. I have now spent the last two months going back and forth to garages to try and fix the fume smell coming into my car. Its giving me severe headaches! and i have to keep all the windows right down to prevent me feeling ill. I have asked 4 different garages to check everything but no one can find anything wrong at all i have even tried two mercedes specialists. There is a tiny gearbox leak underneath but they said it would'nt cause smell?
The car is a w203 c220 cdi 2002 estate.
When i purchased the car it had some smell from injectors when stopping at traffic lights. I have had new seals on the injectors and one of the injectors replaced and then the smell was perfect!!
The next thing that happened was that the fuel line started letting in air at the fuel pump. This was when the latest smell came on. When the fuel lines were replaced to fix the turnover problem the smell has not gone away but there is no diesel or injector smell just what i can think of maybe exhaust or oil ?
The engine has also been steam cleaned and looking perfect but this has not helped anything..
Any Ideas Please...I really cant keep driving with this smell and will be forced to give the car away.......
I would seriously have a good look at filler cap seal and also the tank vents, that these are OK.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,714
Likes: 56
From: 1 hours drive north of Sydney Australia
2007 W204 220CDI Classic Sedan
You have not said what the smell is eg :-raw diesel, burnt oil fumes , exhaust fumes , hot oil fumes, coolant fumes ?. They all have their distinct odour. Are the fumes present when the engine is cold or hot or both?
In the meantime whilst you are sorting the problem out , try closing all windows & have the air intake fan on full & on your face . This will create a positive pressure inside the cars cabin & MAY exclude the unpleasant fumes.
Careful not to gas yourself if I am wrong !!
To see whether your exhaust has a leak hold a pad of cloth firmly over the exhaust whilst the engine is running . This creates back pressure & you should hear a loud hiss if you have a leak. Also make sure your exhaust tail pipe tip is clear of your rear bumper bar ( fender).
In the meantime whilst you are sorting the problem out , try closing all windows & have the air intake fan on full & on your face . This will create a positive pressure inside the cars cabin & MAY exclude the unpleasant fumes.
Careful not to gas yourself if I am wrong !!
To see whether your exhaust has a leak hold a pad of cloth firmly over the exhaust whilst the engine is running . This creates back pressure & you should hear a loud hiss if you have a leak. Also make sure your exhaust tail pipe tip is clear of your rear bumper bar ( fender).
Last edited by Carsy; Sep 24, 2013 at 06:08 AM.
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Newbie
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Cape Town
2005 C280 W115 220 W115 220 W115 230.4 W115 240D/A W123 230 W123 300D/A W123 300D
Carsey, you are so right!
My own plus a few others had exhaust gas leaking from exhaust manifold that had hairline cracks (on several cars) and that had caused me to almost gas myself when using vents only.
Then there was bacterial growth from the aircon.
Dampness due to water leaks into the footwells, enough to cause a smell but not enough to dampen the floormats noticeably.
Fuel tanks have their own problems, so you are right in asking what the smell is like. In my own experience, more than one origin of odour and the combination can smell rotten.
The aircon bacteria would worry me because of the possibility of Legionnaire's Disease.
My own plus a few others had exhaust gas leaking from exhaust manifold that had hairline cracks (on several cars) and that had caused me to almost gas myself when using vents only.
Then there was bacterial growth from the aircon.
Dampness due to water leaks into the footwells, enough to cause a smell but not enough to dampen the floormats noticeably.
Fuel tanks have their own problems, so you are right in asking what the smell is like. In my own experience, more than one origin of odour and the combination can smell rotten.
The aircon bacteria would worry me because of the possibility of Legionnaire's Disease.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2
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W203 C220 CDI
hi all thank you so much for all of the replies. the smell is definately coming out of the left side of the engine bay around the manifold area and then into the cabin through the vents. i have had to keep the windows down to breath......
the fumes are worse under acceleration and i think as some people above have suggested must be a crack somewhere on e.g. manifold
i took the car to a mercedes specialist again this week to see if they can inspect the manifold area for me and they are still coming back empty other than murmurings of the injectors which were just sorted a couple months back at a cost of £500
going back in tomorrow to speak to them........again-really lost patience now though!!
the fumes are worse under acceleration and i think as some people above have suggested must be a crack somewhere on e.g. manifold
i took the car to a mercedes specialist again this week to see if they can inspect the manifold area for me and they are still coming back empty other than murmurings of the injectors which were just sorted a couple months back at a cost of £500
going back in tomorrow to speak to them........again-really lost patience now though!!
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 968
Likes: 62
From: San Francisco, CA
2005 c230SS
If it's coming from the engine bay, then it should be passing through the cabin filter on it's way into the passenger compartment. Can you buy a good charcoal or carbon filter to eliminate some of the problem while you are searching for the culprit?
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
E350 2008
Just my 5 cents. Had the same problem with the smell, but pin pointed it to the faulty inlet manifold fairly quickly. It was not only letting the fumes out, but was leaking oil through the flap washers. Easy to confirm from under the car: you are looking for oil spots where the manifold attaches to the engine. If confirmed you got 2 choices: replace the manifold along with the flaps actuator OR modify it by removing the flaps and blanking the holes with bolts.
One more thing, if the injectors were the problem you would see black gooey stuff on top of the engine. The so called black death.
One more thing, if the injectors were the problem you would see black gooey stuff on top of the engine. The so called black death.
Last edited by StereoTomy; May 17, 2014 at 05:31 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 68
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From: Chicago, IL
2002 CLK 430
I'm very curious about any user's input regarding this "smell" issue. I'm a member here and with BenzWorld (I find that forum a bit more responsive to some of the issues I've had).
Specifically, I've had a very similar issue with such a smell in my W208 (yes, yes I know this is a W203 group) and received nothing of value in effort to remedy the issue. My post, smell details, conditions, etc are here:
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w208...when-heat.html
I just updated my post to indicate the smell occurs regardless of heater use/weather temperature. Any insight would be enormously appreciated!!
Specifically, I've had a very similar issue with such a smell in my W208 (yes, yes I know this is a W203 group) and received nothing of value in effort to remedy the issue. My post, smell details, conditions, etc are here:
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w208...when-heat.html
I just updated my post to indicate the smell occurs regardless of heater use/weather temperature. Any insight would be enormously appreciated!!
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1
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michaelastonehouse
Re Henry Wheaton
I appear to have the same problem and history with my C270 CDI. First it was all 5 injector seals needing replacing then the fuel pipe split and was dripping onto the engine. The smell went for a couple of weeks but now its more of a bitter taste in the air rather than a smell. It coats the skin and definately makes me ill even with short journeys. Its present even with the vents tightly closed. If anyone has an answer it would be much appreciated.
