Gas odor '04 320
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,093
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From: California
2014 C250 sport
Gas odor '04 320
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.
Super Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 755
Likes: 2
From: USA
LS7 powered Corvette
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.
Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 88
Likes: 3
From: So.Cal., US
2011 E550
Gas Odor 2005 E500
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
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
Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 175
Likes: 7
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.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1
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2005 E320
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.
They replaced my Gas tank as well.
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Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 88
Likes: 3
From: So.Cal., US
2011 E550
Gas Odor E500 -- Update
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
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
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Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 247
Likes: 0
From: California
2003 E320
Gas Oder
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?
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?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,632
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
‘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.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,632
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
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.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 391
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
2005 E500, 2011 ML350
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.
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.
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,411
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From: Socal, Chino
E55 2006 / CLS55 / S450 / Jag XKR2011
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.....
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 69
From: Socal, Chino
E55 2006 / CLS55 / S450 / Jag XKR2011
Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 247
Likes: 0
From: California
2003 E320
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.
Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 247
Likes: 0
From: California
2003 E320
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
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
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 4
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From: WA State
2004 CL600, 2008 W211, 2008 Armada, 2006 SLK350 w/ AMG pkg, 1949 willys
picture of 2008 e350 sending unit
attached is a picture of my 2008 E350 sending unit. Different plastic color. No problems. The passanger side has nothing.
Last edited by DEC-E350; May 6, 2014 at 03:18 PM. Reason: remove picture, place in another post
