unhcampus

Updated description - 2005 E320 CDI

Yesterday the car died getting while merging on the highway, it would idle and rev freely in park, but no power under load. There was a check engine light with a low fuel pressure code, P0087. There was a strange intermittent buzzing sound coming from the gas tank that did not sound normal. The failure while merging felt very instant and to me, felt electrical.

The dealer replaced the fuel filter for $280 with no effect and wanted another $1,400 for the fuel pump in the tank. Went to pick the car up and now will not start at all. You can hear the a pump under the hood priming and a gurgling sound coming from the tank. I pulled the rear seat and opened access to the tank. The fuel pump is turning on, but the return line is not strong at all, hence the gurgling sound.

Is this an easy job and can anyone here share what they know about how to? Do I need any special tools or clamps?

Thank you!!

kajtek1

What year?
Those tanks have recall, what you might want to check.
Hint >> you did smell fuel after filling up before

unhcampus

2005. No smell of fuel. The pump under the back seat is making a gurgling sound.

kajtek1

Don't know if/how the pump for diesel can be different, but whole pump assy for gasser cost $580 at California dealer and it is like 20 minutes to replace.
Read my hint above again

unhcampus

Hint >> you did smell fuel after filling up before - No, never.

kajtek1

Let me put it in another words.
IF you smell the fuel before, you might have a chance for free replacement and $280 refund for the filter.
Otherwise shave another $1400

mersum1es

Do you have enough fuel in tank lol (gauge shows need to be over 1/4 to ensure that both sides have some fuel).

unhcampus

The car has between 1/4 and 1/2 tank of fuel. Is there an easy test for the fuel pump?

kajtek1

I remember cdi has couple of clear fuel tubings to observe for fuel, but for high pressure readout you need advanced scanner.

cmh1991

I had an issue with my 2005 e320 cdi starting. I went to start the car and the engine turned over but didn't start. I went to check the hose leading to the fuel filter in the engine bay and noticed there wasn't any fuel when trying to start the car. I tapped on the driver side cover located the driver side rear seat with a rubber mallet and restarted the car. That seemed to have worked and the car has been running fine since. My worry is that the fuel pump will fail sometime soon since the car has 145k mi.

Does anyone know what pump is needed to replace that sends fuel to the front of the car? From my understanding there are 2 pumps one on each side of the vehicle. Does the right side (passenger side) send fuel to the left side (driver side)? and the driver side sends the fuel to the front? Also part numbers for both of of these pumps. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

danielgetsthis

Did you ever get resolution on this? My pump is gargling and car won't start. No fuel at the filter. 2 bars of fuel on the gauge.