URGENT: NHTSA Opens investigation into fuel leaks on the W211 E Class
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,835
Likes: 12
From: The Granite State
.
Hello,
Please add me to the list! I just had my smelly leak fixed in August at the dealer. I got a new sending unit and it fixed the problem. I have a 2004 E320 4-Matic. I already reported it to the NTSB, I kept the part and I am about to write a letter to MB. Just have not had the time yet.
I purchased my E new and now it has about 78,000 miles. It only stank after I filled it up all the way and parked it in my garage. This is the first repair that I have to pay for on this car, but technically MB should be paying for this!
I can't understand why the E320 is NOT on the list, it is obvious that most W211s have this issue!
Steve
Please add me to the list! I just had my smelly leak fixed in August at the dealer. I got a new sending unit and it fixed the problem. I have a 2004 E320 4-Matic. I already reported it to the NTSB, I kept the part and I am about to write a letter to MB. Just have not had the time yet.
I purchased my E new and now it has about 78,000 miles. It only stank after I filled it up all the way and parked it in my garage. This is the first repair that I have to pay for on this car, but technically MB should be paying for this!
I can't understand why the E320 is NOT on the list, it is obvious that most W211s have this issue!
Steve
Steve,
I can add your name to the list, but there is no value unless you file with NHTSA and get a formal ODI#.
At this moment I only have 11 ODI numbers for all the W211 platform cars combined (excluding the E55). Based on the total number of W211 cars produced that is a rediculously small number of claims for fuel system issues.
Compare that to the E55 platform for which there are only 8130 cars built.... but there are 67 official NHTSA claims on file (with ODI#s).
I am tracking every ODI# that I receive, but based on the data I'm seeing this issue is directly attributable to the higher fuel pressure pumps used on the E55 platform. They do not use the same part numbers as the rest of the W211 cars.
-G
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,281
Likes: 8
From: Longmont, CO
04 E320 4 Matic, 95 Audi S6, 99 Carrera 4 Cabrio, 12 Fiat 500 Sport, 00 BMW R1200C 10, BMW R1200R
Steve,
I can add your name to the list, but there is no value unless you file with NHTSA and get a formal ODI#.
At this moment I only have 11 ODI numbers for all the W211 platform cars combined (excluding the E55). Based on the total number of W211 cars produced that is a rediculously small number of claims for fuel system issues.
Compare that to the E55 platform for which there are only 8130 cars built.... but there are 67 official NHTSA claims on file (with ODI#s).
I am tracking every ODI# that I receive, but based on the data I'm seeing this issue is directly attributable to the higher fuel pressure pumps used on the E55 platform. They do not use the same part numbers as the rest of the W211 cars.
-G
I can add your name to the list, but there is no value unless you file with NHTSA and get a formal ODI#.
At this moment I only have 11 ODI numbers for all the W211 platform cars combined (excluding the E55). Based on the total number of W211 cars produced that is a rediculously small number of claims for fuel system issues.
Compare that to the E55 platform for which there are only 8130 cars built.... but there are 67 official NHTSA claims on file (with ODI#s).
I am tracking every ODI# that I receive, but based on the data I'm seeing this issue is directly attributable to the higher fuel pressure pumps used on the E55 platform. They do not use the same part numbers as the rest of the W211 cars.
-G
Thanks for taking this on! I think that it IS ridiculous that they are saying it is only on the AMG model. Please do keep us posted on anything you see!
Thanks,
Steve
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,835
Likes: 12
From: The Granite State
.
There is quite a bit more detailed discussion on this thread:
https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...leaks-e55.html
A few images from that thread:
Item #55 (Drivers side fuel sender/pump) seems to be the most common failure point. As you can see, the part numbers are different between E55 and other W211 cars.... even though many other parts are shared widely between all W211 models.
If the failures were due to the common shared parts, we should expect to see literally THOUSANDS of cars with fuel leak issues (E500, E320, E350, etc)... but we don't.
-G
https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...leaks-e55.html
A few images from that thread:
Item #55 (Drivers side fuel sender/pump) seems to be the most common failure point. As you can see, the part numbers are different between E55 and other W211 cars.... even though many other parts are shared widely between all W211 models.
If the failures were due to the common shared parts, we should expect to see literally THOUSANDS of cars with fuel leak issues (E500, E320, E350, etc)... but we don't.
-G
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,085
Likes: 59
From: Los Angeles
2009 SL550 Roadster Diamond White, 2008 CLK550 Coupe Obsidian Black
Interesting point greg regarding the part numbers of the driver side fuel sending unit being different. I also smell it coming from my drivers side as well (nothing on the passenger side). There are definitely less non-AMG w211 affected by this but still wondering what would cause it then in the non-AMG ones that do have the problem.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
2012 CLS63
Thanks much. It looks like the dealer repair didn't do the trick. The service advisor is incapable of accessing the Internet. Really. Despite me handing them this data, they are not able to read it and troubleshoot the issue from scratch each time. Blows my mind. A mechanic that eschews Internet data is not effective.
What they replaced on my $1200 work is:
211-682-02-10 Insulation: $103.35
211-470-51-94 Sender Unit: 692.30
(2) 211-471-05-79 Seal ring: $30.48
They also charged me $200 to clear an evaporating system code they concluded was caused by the presence of the leaking fuel.
Even if this were simple wear and tear and not something they should be handling gratis I'd be very disappointed with the way it has been handled. Frankly, I've never been impressed with Mercedes service at any of the several Atlanta-area dealers I've visited.
What they replaced on my $1200 work is:
211-682-02-10 Insulation: $103.35
211-470-51-94 Sender Unit: 692.30
(2) 211-471-05-79 Seal ring: $30.48
They also charged me $200 to clear an evaporating system code they concluded was caused by the presence of the leaking fuel.
Even if this were simple wear and tear and not something they should be handling gratis I'd be very disappointed with the way it has been handled. Frankly, I've never been impressed with Mercedes service at any of the several Atlanta-area dealers I've visited.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,835
Likes: 12
From: The Granite State
.
Any chance you have the failed parts that were swapped out?
It would be interesting to know if the failing fuel pump was the same part number as before (211-470-51-94) or if it was the original design (211-470-24-94)???
I continue to be amazed by the attitude of the dealers when it comes to fixing this issue. It would be terrific if someone who actually worked at a MBZ dealership could see what sort of "internal correspondence" exists about this issue.
It would also be interesting to know how many replacement fuel pumps and gas tanks have been purchased by US dealers for the E55 to date. That information was redacted from the NHTSA report that they published online, but I'll bet you there have been hundreds of gas tanks and hundreds of fuel pumps ordered already.... not the kind of thing you'd expect from a "good" fuel system design.
-G
It would be interesting to know if the failing fuel pump was the same part number as before (211-470-51-94) or if it was the original design (211-470-24-94)???
I continue to be amazed by the attitude of the dealers when it comes to fixing this issue. It would be terrific if someone who actually worked at a MBZ dealership could see what sort of "internal correspondence" exists about this issue.
It would also be interesting to know how many replacement fuel pumps and gas tanks have been purchased by US dealers for the E55 to date. That information was redacted from the NHTSA report that they published online, but I'll bet you there have been hundreds of gas tanks and hundreds of fuel pumps ordered already.... not the kind of thing you'd expect from a "good" fuel system design.
-G
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
2012 CLS63
I do not have the original pump. I will ask for giggles to see if they document the part number of a replaced item. That would seem like good data for them to record on balance, but I would suspect that even if they do, but the time the service adviser is involved the information is not discoverable. It's worth a try though. I have an appt for Wednesday for the next round.
i just popped over to the class action page. I'm going to look a little more with the goal of discerning whether this is a money-making ploy for a couple of law firms with us to get a check for $2.85 each when it is all done, versus a path to actually getting the car sustainably repaired and my to-date out of pocket reimbursed, which are the only things I am concerned with. Any opinions?
i just popped over to the class action page. I'm going to look a little more with the goal of discerning whether this is a money-making ploy for a couple of law firms with us to get a check for $2.85 each when it is all done, versus a path to actually getting the car sustainably repaired and my to-date out of pocket reimbursed, which are the only things I am concerned with. Any opinions?
Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 197
Likes: 3
From: St. Louis, MO
2005 E55 Sedan (Peuter)
Call 888-327-4236 (x1, 1)
Guys, give us 10 of your minutes to file a complain. That's all it takes!! Call this number 888-327-4236 (x1, 1) and give them your info.
All it took was 50 complaints in November and December of 2011 for the NHTSA to launch an investigation in January of 2012. That investigation is ongoing, but has appeared to stall out. We need to let the NHTSA and Mercedes know that this issue is still a problem and every day that goes by with it not being fixed is a day that we're in danger. Make the call!! It only takes 10 MINUTES!! 888-327-4236 (x1, 1)
MY ODI #: 10492252
Action Number/Investigation Number: PE12001
Class Action Lawsuit page: http://www.mercedesfueltankclassaction.com/contact/
All it took was 50 complaints in November and December of 2011 for the NHTSA to launch an investigation in January of 2012. That investigation is ongoing, but has appeared to stall out. We need to let the NHTSA and Mercedes know that this issue is still a problem and every day that goes by with it not being fixed is a day that we're in danger. Make the call!! It only takes 10 MINUTES!! 888-327-4236 (x1, 1)
MY ODI #: 10492252
Action Number/Investigation Number: PE12001
Class Action Lawsuit page: http://www.mercedesfueltankclassaction.com/contact/
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Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 258
Likes: 2
S550
Not sure how to start or if my vehicle qualifies for this but I am having the same symptoms. I have a 2004 E320 and get a strong gas smell when I fill up.
I am not sure how to start the process as there seems to be a class action number and a NTHB number to call? Could someone please advise if I qualify for these and if so the number to call first?
Thanks!
I am not sure how to start the process as there seems to be a class action number and a NTHB number to call? Could someone please advise if I qualify for these and if so the number to call first?
Thanks!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,835
Likes: 12
From: The Granite State
.
Not sure how to start or if my vehicle qualifies for this but I am having the same symptoms. I have a 2004 E320 and get a strong gas smell when I fill up.
I am not sure how to start the process as there seems to be a class action number and a NTHB number to call? Could someone please advise if I qualify for these and if so the number to call first?
Thanks!
I am not sure how to start the process as there seems to be a class action number and a NTHB number to call? Could someone please advise if I qualify for these and if so the number to call first?
Thanks!
Go to: https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/
In the Box called: *Vehicle Complaint* select "*Begin online form*"
Add your *VIN*
Add your Vehicle (Start typing "*Mercedes Benz E55*" and the list will offer you options to autocomplete your selection, including the year) Add the "*Incident Date*"
Add the "*Vehicle Mileage*"
Add the "*Vehicle Speed at time of incident*" (I'd say 0 MPH is appropriate for this issue) In the "Affected Parts" pulldown menu select: *Fuel / Proplusion system*
Below that is an area for a 1900-character description of the issue. Please reference the NHTSA Action# PE12001 in this area to help connect all of these complaints.
Then add your name and address in the area at the bottom, verify your data and submit your form.
Once you do that, you will get an official *ODI#* assigned to your case.
Please send that ODI# to me so I can update our masterlist.
Thank you for your help
-G
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 35
Likes: 3
E350, GL450
add one to the list
Filed my complain on May 19, 2012, it is #10459019...however be aware that since then, my member id went from mechefan to harryfrank..since i had no access to the account no more . So please add it to the list under mechefan or change it to harryfrank. BTW. it is an 2006 E55 AMG.
Thanks for your efforts!!
Thanks for your efforts!!
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Delaware,OH
2003 Z06
"Any updates on the fuel leak issues with the 03-09 E class? My 05 E55 AMG has started puddling fuel underneath it and fuel smell inside the car and I pulled the backseat off and there is fuel puddling under the backseat outside of the fuel sending unit cap. I know I'm just one of over 75 E55 AMG's experiencing this. There are countless E classes going through this. Why isn't MB stepping up and taking care of their customers and correcting this dangerous issue?"
Just posted that to MB USA Facebook page lol. See how long it's up until they delete it.
Just posted that to MB USA Facebook page lol. See how long it's up until they delete it.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: N. CAL
'00 ML320, '07 E550
Add me to the lucky club, mime just started show this problem.
2007 E550 with 64K and ODI# 10501065.
Have not talk to the dealer yet and I wonder if my will be cover under emission warranty? Anyone know?
2007 E550 with 64K and ODI# 10501065.
Have not talk to the dealer yet and I wonder if my will be cover under emission warranty? Anyone know?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,184
Likes: 16
From: Highlands Ranch, Colorado
2014 BMW M235i
I spent the time reading through this entire thread, and it seems that there has been no conclusion to this investigation am I correct?
I have a smell of what seems to be gasoline when I fill up the tank the entire way, it isn't very severe from what I can tell nor have I spotted any fluid leaks (I'm not willing to take apart any portion of my car) but I still occasionally, maybe after every other fill-up, get the smell. I didn't think much of it but after seeing this thread at the top of the W211 forum for a while it made me start to think. I'm going to file a claim.
1) Is the investigation still open?
2) Is this list of complainants still being created?
3) Are there any fixes that MB will pay for as of March 2013?
I have a smell of what seems to be gasoline when I fill up the tank the entire way, it isn't very severe from what I can tell nor have I spotted any fluid leaks (I'm not willing to take apart any portion of my car) but I still occasionally, maybe after every other fill-up, get the smell. I didn't think much of it but after seeing this thread at the top of the W211 forum for a while it made me start to think. I'm going to file a claim.
1) Is the investigation still open?
2) Is this list of complainants still being created?
3) Are there any fixes that MB will pay for as of March 2013?
Last edited by AMGAffalterbach; Mar 3, 2013 at 08:31 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 29
Likes: 3
2007 E550 4matic
I have a smell of what seems to be gasoline when I fill up the tank the entire way, it isn't very severe from what I can tell nor have I spotted any fluid leaks (I'm not willing to take apart any portion of my car) but I still occasionally, maybe after every other fill-up, get the smell.
As M-B's response to NHTSA states, human sense of smell is extremely sensitive to gasoline fumes, so even a small leak will be noticed.
Before I fixed my leak, the fumes were only noticeable when I parked in my enclosed garage.
Last edited by Kwijibo; Mar 4, 2013 at 10:31 AM. Reason: Clarification.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,184
Likes: 16
From: Highlands Ranch, Colorado
2014 BMW M235i
Alright, well thanks for the status update. So as of now everything is ongoing, nothing has been rectified, and that I will have to wait a while for MB to do anything... 
. Great. At this point I'm just going to help out and file an NHTSA report and wait.
This is where I'm at right now. When I park my car in the garage after the Saturday morning routine of wash, detailing, and getting gas - I will notice this if it's been sitting in the garage for most of the day. So it doesn't seem to be a big issue, but I am a little worried about the safety of the car in the case of collision or something of the sort.
. Great. At this point I'm just going to help out and file an NHTSA report and wait.This is where I'm at right now. When I park my car in the garage after the Saturday morning routine of wash, detailing, and getting gas - I will notice this if it's been sitting in the garage for most of the day. So it doesn't seem to be a big issue, but I am a little worried about the safety of the car in the case of collision or something of the sort.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta
2004 e500
NHTSA Report Filed today
Made the report this morning. My ODI # 10501337 My NHTSAreport reads:
I have noticed strong gasoline odors emanating from my car after refueling. I purchased a new Mercedes Benz gas cap and installed it. Filled the gas tank and gasoline odor was still very strong. I do not 'top off' when refueling. Researched issue online at Benzworld.org and discovered that the gas odor issue I am experiencing may be related to a problem being seen in numerous Mercedes Benz E-Model vehicles. As advised by the other owners having this issue I detached the rear seat cushion from the car and removed the bolts from the circular access panel that covers a portion of the fuel tank on the driver's side of the vehicle. In the depresion on top of the gas tank where numerous electrical wires attach to the fuel pump I found a significant quantity of raw gasoline pooled. This presents a very unsafe situation and I am no longer willing to park the vehicle in my garage due to the potential fire hazard. The pooling of raw gasoline also represents an environmental issue due to the evaporation and creation of toxic fumes. I understand that Mercedes Benz dealers are demanding $2,000. or more to rectify the problem by removing and replacing the gas tanks in impacted vehicles. I feel that the manufacturer of this defective component should be held responsible to recall it and replace it. I understand that the NHTSA's current Investigation Action No. for this issue is PE 12001.
I have noticed strong gasoline odors emanating from my car after refueling. I purchased a new Mercedes Benz gas cap and installed it. Filled the gas tank and gasoline odor was still very strong. I do not 'top off' when refueling. Researched issue online at Benzworld.org and discovered that the gas odor issue I am experiencing may be related to a problem being seen in numerous Mercedes Benz E-Model vehicles. As advised by the other owners having this issue I detached the rear seat cushion from the car and removed the bolts from the circular access panel that covers a portion of the fuel tank on the driver's side of the vehicle. In the depresion on top of the gas tank where numerous electrical wires attach to the fuel pump I found a significant quantity of raw gasoline pooled. This presents a very unsafe situation and I am no longer willing to park the vehicle in my garage due to the potential fire hazard. The pooling of raw gasoline also represents an environmental issue due to the evaporation and creation of toxic fumes. I understand that Mercedes Benz dealers are demanding $2,000. or more to rectify the problem by removing and replacing the gas tanks in impacted vehicles. I feel that the manufacturer of this defective component should be held responsible to recall it and replace it. I understand that the NHTSA's current Investigation Action No. for this issue is PE 12001.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
E320
I just ordered a new pump sending unit seals and some new bracket for the parts that me erodes says will help resolve this issue... 1000 bucks just so I can get my car to pass a smog test. All parts that in my opinion are non wearable items. These parts should never have be replaced on any car
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,184
Likes: 16
From: Highlands Ranch, Colorado
2014 BMW M235i
Is it really not passing emissions with this issue? I remember when I first bought the car I had to take it in to also do the VIN verification and it was fine. I think it was on a full tank when I took it in, actually.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
E320
Yeah the check engine light is on from a previous diagnostic test part of the issue was the fuel sending unit being cracked and leaking
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,184
Likes: 16
From: Highlands Ranch, Colorado
2014 BMW M235i
Oh wow, okay. That makes sense why you were saying that before. Your leak is pretty severe then. Mercedes really needs to claim responsibility for this. For the most part their cars are exceptionally engineered, no car is fault-proof, but when they source out parts like this on the W211 they have these issues - and it's aggravating to know right now any fix would come out of my pocket -_-.
