Fuel tank issues - isolated or common?
11-17-2010, 02:46 PM
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1992 500E, 2006 E500, 2007 GL 450
Fuel tank issues - isolated or common?
2006 E500 (39500 miles always garaged) developed strong smell of gasoline after fill up. MB of Pembroke Pines, Fl. diagnosis: left side fuel sensor - repair $843. After repair, smell worse than ever, noticeable 50 ft. away, and persisted for 2 weeks. Back to MB - diagnosis faulty fuel tank vent - repair, replace gas tank $2200 less sensor repair cost. Anyone have similar issues or is this just isolated? Thought it might be covered by emission warranty, but dealer said no. Owned many Mercedes and accustomed to expensive repairs but this really has me concerned about service and quality.
11-17-2010, 03:48 PM
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Porsche 991S, Cayenne S, 1972 BMW 3.0CS E9 Coupe
For some reason MBs have always had various kinds of fuel leak issues. From way back (in various models) and even up to the current W212 E Class (diesel versions now have a recall.) And ever since the EPA mandated returnless fuel systems, they've dropped the sending unit w/regulator/filter etc., into the tank. And the design seems haphazard and rushed. In the past, certain BMWs have also had the same issues.
Have you ever pulled up the rear passenger seat to look and see if you're getting leaking at the sending units? You'll see a small pool of fuel (and you should smell fuel inside the cabin, too.)
Do a search and you'll find all sorts of threads on various leaks. Right now there's a DIY repair thread on the W211 E55 forum. The place where the sending unit is cracking is clearly obvious. The sending unit issue seems to affect all E Class primarily before the 2007 facelift. But it was predominant in the E55s and there was a recall.
A big problem with all this is that the dealers don't seem to understand the issues very well and make all sorts of attempts at fixes, and sometimes don't end fixing anything.
You need to stay on top of your dealer. Unfortunately if you're out of warranty, you'll be footing the bill. So be sure they know what they're actually doing instead of just replacing everything on your dime. Also try other dealers or some good Indy mechanics; like getting more than one doctor's advice (I'd go to an Indy over a dealer, imho.)
Have you ever pulled up the rear passenger seat to look and see if you're getting leaking at the sending units? You'll see a small pool of fuel (and you should smell fuel inside the cabin, too.)
Do a search and you'll find all sorts of threads on various leaks. Right now there's a DIY repair thread on the W211 E55 forum. The place where the sending unit is cracking is clearly obvious. The sending unit issue seems to affect all E Class primarily before the 2007 facelift. But it was predominant in the E55s and there was a recall.
A big problem with all this is that the dealers don't seem to understand the issues very well and make all sorts of attempts at fixes, and sometimes don't end fixing anything.
You need to stay on top of your dealer. Unfortunately if you're out of warranty, you'll be footing the bill. So be sure they know what they're actually doing instead of just replacing everything on your dime. Also try other dealers or some good Indy mechanics; like getting more than one doctor's advice (I'd go to an Indy over a dealer, imho.)
