2003 E320 Fuel Smell, Out of 15 Year Coverage
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Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 36
Likes: 9
2003 W211 E320
2003 E320 Fuel Smell, Out of 15 Year Coverage
My 2003 threw a check engine light yesterday. P0452. To test the tank I filled it up and let it sit in the garage. I could definitely smell gas so I parked it outside. Being a 2003 it is older than 15 years.
What do I need to do to fix this? I know the proper way is a tank but is there any cheaper option?
What do I need to do to fix this? I know the proper way is a tank but is there any cheaper option?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 36
Likes: 9
2003 W211 E320
Too Funny!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Republic of Texas
'99 and '05 E55 AMG
Why not just replace the fuel filter, fuel pump, and the two o-rings? You're looking at a few hundred dollars to replace those parts (compared to ~$1000 for the AMG). Assuming your car is running on the original parts it would be likely the rubber o-ring gaskets have gone bad. When you pull the old parts, inspect the lip of the tank openings; if no breaks, just install the new parts. If lip is broken then you're looking at a new/used tank. Run the fuel gauge down to two bars or less before pulling the lids off....
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 36
Likes: 9
2003 W211 E320
Why not just replace the fuel filter, fuel pump, and the two o-rings? You're looking at a few hundred dollars to replace those parts (compared to ~$1000 for the AMG). Assuming your car is running on the original parts it would be likely the rubber o-ring gaskets have gone bad. When you pull the old parts, inspect the lip of the tank openings; if no breaks, just install the new parts. If lip is broken then you're looking at a new/used tank. Run the fuel gauge down to two bars or less before pulling the lids off....
With 8 cars, a camper, boat and 5 trailers I am pretty good at doing what needs to get done.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 36
Likes: 9
2003 W211 E320
I am not new to the car rodeo, been working on them as a hobby an professionally for 40 years. It will be diagnosed correctly. The E320 is not an everyday car, it can be torn apart, pushed outside and worked on at a later date when the parts come in.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 36
Likes: 9
2003 W211 E320
Followup: I replaced the fuel filter assembly and sensor with Mercedes parts. Problem is fixed and check engine light hasn't come back on in 1,000 miles. It was the OEM fuel filter at 134,000 miles, I opened it up and it was black with gunk.
