QQQ

On cold starts, my C320 fuel gauge shows 1/8 tank below actual. It takes 10 minutes driving before the gauge shows the correct level. Have replaced the aux fuel pump and fuel sending unit but problem persists. Anyone has similar problem and what could be the cause?

galaxygrrl

3Q,

try searching on fuel gauge. there are many issues with it. you described one. My gauge has been replaced twice and it still does not work.

Cheers,

Beth

QQQ

Just checked C32Life forum and someone mentioned AMG installed a smaller fuel tank explaining why some fuel gauge only shows 3/4 full when topped. Sounds strange but his problem was fixed when the correct fuel tank was replaced.

Mike T.

The regular sedan's fuel tank is ALREADY too small at 62 L (it should be 75 or 80 L at the rate the V-6 drinks fuel).

So when AMG supercharges the bejeezuz out of the 3.2 V-6, they fit an even smaller tank. Yep, it makes sense to me

In Germany, that probably means stopping every 200 km for fuel if you're on a speed run...that's one stop every 45-50 minutes. Way to go guys

QQQ

C32 is supposed to have a 62L fuel tank like sedan. Somehow that guy has a smaller than 62L fuel tank so fuel gauge never shows full.

KJ-TypeR

Stop using Shell Gasoline, it sucks *****. It is the cause of your problems.

benggolf

I use Chevron premium and never had this problem on both cars.

My friend who loaded up with Shell complained about engine knock. Bum gas he claims.

Buellwinkle

Your fuel gauge problem may be in the dash cluster. The needle may be sticking. What does the trip computer say in terms of miles left? If it reads something like 400 miles left when the gauge reads 1/8 tank then the gauge is probably the culprit.

As for gas I avoid Shell and Arco as much or more than no-name gas stations. It makes my motorcycles ping so it can't be any good in my cars. Heck I probably wouldn't put in my lawnmower either.

Mick

I have a C Class W203 in Australia, after about 9 months the fuel guage stareted to show a maximum of 7/8 when the tank is full. It also shows incorrect levels in the tank eg when the guage shows 1/8 it will take 45 litres to fill it. I have yet to take it back to the dealer.

I have been researching this subject on the net, I have found Shell fuel in Canada caused major problems. The line in this thread is that Shell fuel in the USA may be the cause. I have only used Shell fuel since new, maybe it is the fuel.

KJ-TypeR

I did say Shell Fuel was the problem didn't I? Did you doubt me? =)


Shell sucks ***** anyway. If it isn't causing pinging in cars and motorcycles, it's ruining fuel guages instead.

Either way, you're grabbing your ankles when you fill up at Shell.

In Canada...Shell 91 Octane costs the same as 92 Octane from competitors such as Sunoco and Esso. Why pay the SAME PRICE to get less octane?

viper

All gasoline is refined from the same products. The differences between brands is due to other components they add. To say that a certain brand attacks fuel gages is ridiculous since the fuel does not flow through the gage. The fuel gage is an electrical instrument.

QQQ

Actually, my fuel gauge is fine when it is full or near empty. It is only when the tank is half full you see the needle 1/8 tank below. After 10 minutes the gauge will show the correct level.

I seldom use Shell. I use Sunoco, the only 94 octane gas in Canada. Esso is 92 and Shell 91. An independent report done early this year shows Sunoco is the cleanest gas in Canada, and Esso the worst.

KJ-TypeR

Here is some info on gas cleanliness in Canada:

Sulphur Content in Gasoline

viper

Don't believe everything you read. It all depends on who is writing the report.

KJ-TypeR

That report is valid.

It has been verified by other sources as well.

It makes sense since Sunoco was more than willing to release it's numbers while the other Gas companies refused to release their numbers to the public and tried to take legal action to stop the information from becoming public.

freakinfreak

I have a 2001 C320 brilliant silver as well with the same problem. It's a faulty fuel sensor that you have. It shouldn't take more than a day for the dealer to repair it under warranty.

QQQ

I have those replaced and fuel gauge still erratic.

freakinfreak

Perhaps you should take your car to a different dealer to have it looked it. Or just trade it in! I'm pretty fed up with my car and this is what I'm contemplating. Just waiting for the new CLK to come out so I could get a great deal (In theory) on the current CLK.

AMGracer

Over the past few months there have actually been law suits filed against several gasoline companies where it is alledged that a certain chemical or additive in the gasoline damaged the fuel sensors in automobiles causing incorrect gauge readings. If you are having problems with your fuel gauge I would seriously recommend you check into what fuel you put into your car. Your car is Designed to run with optimum european fuel which is alot cleaner has a higher octane count. It is possible unnecessary additives and poor quality fuel may be damaging your sensors.

Apollo

Hi

I have just noticed that when cold my fuel guage showed 1/8 less than actual this morning, about 10 mins later it went up 1/8 to 1/4 of a tank. Is this another fault I am going to have to have sorted.

David N.

It may not attack the guage, but it can possibly damage the sensor which provides info to the guage. I DID read a story about shell gas in canada ruining peoples fuel guages. They actually got more specific and said it was the sensor in the tank that was damaged.

I avoid shell like the plague. I mostly use esso and sunoco.

Cars sold in NA are made to handle the sulphur content in NA gas. Buying sunoco gas won't save your engine, but it WILL save the environment.

David N.

ROFLMAO!!!

I couldn't agree with you more.