akbro93704

We have a 2004 E320 in the family with 30k miles on it. Over the past few months, after filling up, a strong gas odor has been coming from the car, especially noticeable in the garage but also detectable when near the car in open space. We do not top off, nor do we let gas spill onto the car after filling up. Theres no gasoline leaks on the garage floor either. Any ideas?? The smell disappears after about half of the tank is used.

csumt76

I would say you need a new fuel tank. The vent on the top for the hose that goes to the charcoal canister is most likely leaking. This is placed just below where the fuel level is when completely full. Leaks when full, doesn't leak as you run out the fuel from the tank.

konigstiger

Had the same problem on my 03 e320 they replaced the fuel tank as csumt76 stated.

akbro93704

okay, thanks for the help

tjkaz

Hi All,
Within the past week just noticed a gas odor after filling up the tank. I don't top off and I haven't noticed it before - had the car since it was new.
Previous post indicated that their vehicle needed a new tank! My car is out of warrantee - zoiks!!! Seems a little rediculous to have to replace the whole tank just for a bad seal.
Anyone else have this issue, and if so, what were the remedies?
I'll be taking it in this week and we shall see....
Thanks
Tom

jd986s

Same thing happened to my car. I can smell gas from left (driver side) rear wheel after a fill up. Dealer tried to replace several different things but did not fix the problem. Finally gas tank was replaced and it fixed it. You also want to make sure that it's not coming from fuel pump located under the rear seat area. If you smell gas from inside the car, there is a good possibility it's coming from fuel pup under rear seat on left side. If smell is from outside, it's likely a gas tank. I've noticed that if you don't fill it up (say 3/4 of a tank) the smell isn't there anymore. Not sure if it's a safety concerns.

ac1122

I just had the same thing done on my car, the dealer wasnt able to smell it because I always took it to him when the tank was 3/4 after about a month of this my check engine light came on and then they were able to find this problem.


They replaced my Gas tank as well.

tjkaz

Thanks for the posts.
I took the car in as I mentioned previously and was told that it was the left fuel sending unit/sensor seal. They replaced the sending unit and no more odor which is a good thing. However, since my warrantee had run out, I had to pay for the service. The SA cut me a deal (after my whining) and I only had to pay for the labor ~$200. Originally they wanted $525 ($325 for the unit), but the SA I've been using regularly was able to get the dealer to pick up the cost of the part - whew!
Anyway, that was the ending to this story.
Tom

CaptMike

Well it's now happening to me. Same as reported by the thread starter.

I Don't "top off"

garage smells

car smells as you walk around it

smells a bit inside the car but not nearly as much as outside

just filled car up with gas tonight

03 with 45,000 mi.

How much have your gas tanks cost you?

konigstiger

‘03 E320 VIN EPC shows original fuel tank replaced by current 2114702502, MB $815 list/655 net (parts.com 561.20) + approximately $100 in additional attachment parts + labor. I understand replacement involves draining fuel tank, removing exhaust system, drive shaft, parking brake cables, fuel lines, and heat shields.

CaptMike

Thanks Dan

I was hoping for some sort of recall.

konigstiger

I would suggest requesting MBUSA goodwill assistance emphasizing safety since EPC shows the original tank was replaced twice. If you do not have access to EPC PM your email address, and VIN and I will send a VIN specific parts printout to support your claim. Unfortunately, I am not aware of a DTB, recall, or service campaign addressing the matter but it is a common problem.

MB211

Fuel tank is 8/80 emmissions component.

Fuel sender is more common. This includes the fuel filter which is due at 65k anyways......Maybe that will take a little sting out of the price.

CharlyE500

Is this means W211 needs fuel filter and gaz tank replacement in about every 60k miles ? and its about $1k to replace all this...... my Ex-Honda Accord had 98 with 200k miles and never had to replace any of this.....

MB211

You are comparing Apples to Oranges......

CharlyE500

A car is a car, this are basic component that shouldnt break, some got gaz tank replace in 30k miles...... should i be happy that got to change it at 60k miles and without warranty.......

CaptMike

Yes, I was told today after check engine light came on again for the same reason "fuel evap". Repair shop (not dealor, but techs that used to work for the dealor) says I need new fuel tank and that IS covered under the CA emmissions warrenty. They caller dealor and ran the VIN to confirm that it is covered.

Now, calling the dealor myself to get it in and they say THEY will run the VIN to confirm that it is in fact covered. Why is one place saying it IS covered and dealor says it don't know that it is covered?

Man, I don't like this kind of stress.

CaptMike

I took the car in to the dealer and complained of "check engine light is on and has strong gasoline odor after filling tank". The SA stated that if it were the tank it would be covered under the 7/70 warranty and if it were to be the fuel filler neck (which he said they were have lots of problems with, it would not be covered). Anyway, with that information I informed another shop that does exclusive European auto repair and the owner told me, who had also investigated this problem, that they did a smoke test and the smoke was pouring out of the fuel tank and that the top seal at the attachment bolt was cracked and yes, it would be covered under the emissions warranty.

That’s exactly what the MB dealer found upon inspections. The W/O states “Customer states check engine light on, has strong gasoline odor after filling tank. Plastic fitting at top of fuel tank leaking. Performed short test, found fault P0456. Removed rear seat and found left side of tank full of fuel (Keep in mind that the car was taken to the shop with about a 1/16th of a tank of fuel in it.) could see fuel traces from higher up on tank. Drained ¼ tank fuel. Removed fuel tank and found fitting at top of tank leaking. Switched fuel senders to new tank. Installed new tank. Cleared faults. Test drove 5mi. with no problems. Replaced fuel hose due to kink that occurred during fuel tank RR."

The parts replaced were:

1 211-470-25-02 FUEL TANK
2 211-471-05-79 SEAL RING
1 211-470-14-24 FUEL LINE
1 006-997-18-90 LOOM TIE
1 005-997-83-90 LOOM TIE
5 005-997-02-90 HOSE CLAMP
1 53912032 HOSE CLAMP

Everything is back to normal with no out of pocket expense

DEC-E350

attached is a picture of my 2008 E350 sending unit. Different plastic color. No problems. The passanger side has nothing.

Plutoe

Thank you for noticing/posting however the previous post was in 2009---have you been in a coma or just a long after thought----please help us!!