Pretty big problem...
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
'07 S550 w/ AMG Package
Pretty big problem...
Well this morning, I went in the car, turned it on...waited a little bit before leaving, and then put the car in reverse to back out of the garage. As soon as I started moving, the car was shaking like crazy! Then the engine symbol by the RPM thing started flashing but I got no messages on the screen. Idk what was wrong with it...but then I put it back in the garage, and took the ML because I had to be somewhere soon. So when I got back home, I called Tele-Aid and they sent out a technician. So they tried turning on the car and it was grinding and making awful noises and wouldnt turn on. So they took a look at the engine and they said there was tons of water in it, which I dont know how it could be there...it hasnt rained, I havent gone to the car wash in a week, or drove through any puddles. But long story short, they sent a tow truck, and now theyre taking it to the dealer. Does anyone know what could be going on?
Here are some pics though...
Here are some pics though...
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
Water in the engine, like in the crankcase? Or the engine compartment is very wet? If it's the former, you could have a cracked block or head or blown headgasket. It's new engine time if that's the case.
#3
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
'07 S550 w/ AMG Package
#4
That is a bummer! I can't imagine what happened. Definitely keep us informed. Have you checked the exhaust pipes? There have been stories going around where someone can vindictively plug up the exhaust pipes with that expanding foam product called "Great Stuff". I looked in your exhaust in those pictures and they seem clear. Just a thought.
#5
MBWorld Fanatic!
Too bad it's prob too old a car for a lemon law exit...
Wouldn't want any car post-anything more major than an oil change/new tires, no matter how allegedly competent is the dealer....
Wouldn't want any car post-anything more major than an oil change/new tires, no matter how allegedly competent is the dealer....
#6
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Europe
Posts: 6,390
Received 299 Likes
on
250 Posts
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
Would have helped if you had taken equally good photos from the engine bay.
This one should not have a water-cooled alternator, what about the water pump failing badly (what else could do both the sound and the water in the engine bay)? Or perhaps some other part on the serpentine belt that had made the water piping fail when blowing itself?
This one should not have a water-cooled alternator, what about the water pump failing badly (what else could do both the sound and the water in the engine bay)? Or perhaps some other part on the serpentine belt that had made the water piping fail when blowing itself?
#7
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Paradise (a.k.a. Austin, TX)
Posts: 888
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
'09 S63 AMG
The main derivatives of the fuel/air burning process of an internal combustion engine are carbon dioxide, water and some particulate matter (soot).
Since you say that you've not come in contact with any water (rain, car wash, etc.), the ONLY plausible explanation is that the water your engine produced ended up making it ill
Hard to believe. Really hard to believe, but......seems to be the ONLY plausible explanation for what happened.
I'd be keenly interested to know the outcome of this issue and what MB says happened to your engine.
Since you say that you've not come in contact with any water (rain, car wash, etc.), the ONLY plausible explanation is that the water your engine produced ended up making it ill
Hard to believe. Really hard to believe, but......seems to be the ONLY plausible explanation for what happened.
I'd be keenly interested to know the outcome of this issue and what MB says happened to your engine.
Last edited by AustinGuy; 06-15-2008 at 11:28 AM.
Trending Topics
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: East Bay Area, CA
Posts: 562
Likes: 0
Received 20 Likes
on
9 Posts
2013 SL 550 (Previously 2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo-S, 2015 Tesla P85D, 2007 S600, 2005 E55 AMG)
The main derivatives of the fuel/air burning process of an internal combustion engine are carbon dioxide, water and some particulate matter (soot).
Since you say that you've not come in contact with any water (rain, car wash, etc.), the ONLY plausible explanation is that the water your engine produced ended up making it ill
Hard to believe. Really hard to believe, but......seems to be the ONLY plausible explanation for what happened.
I'd be keenly interested to know the outcome of this issue and what MB says happened to your engine.
Since you say that you've not come in contact with any water (rain, car wash, etc.), the ONLY plausible explanation is that the water your engine produced ended up making it ill
Hard to believe. Really hard to believe, but......seems to be the ONLY plausible explanation for what happened.
I'd be keenly interested to know the outcome of this issue and what MB says happened to your engine.
Chris
#13
Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Bucks County PA
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
MB
I'm sorry to hear of your problem, hope this gets resolved soon...
I had a similar experience in Germany with a new MB a few weeks ago. Car had been outside overnight, and ran extremely rough the next morning with subsequent warning lights and fluid discharge (coolant). The culprit was an animal that got into the warm engine compartment and played havoc with the wiring! (At least it had good taste)
I had a similar experience in Germany with a new MB a few weeks ago. Car had been outside overnight, and ran extremely rough the next morning with subsequent warning lights and fluid discharge (coolant). The culprit was an animal that got into the warm engine compartment and played havoc with the wiring! (At least it had good taste)
#14
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
'07 S550 w/ AMG Package
Update
The delaer said that the gas was contaminated and because of that, the whole system was contaminated.
I have two options
The first option is that they drain the system and put new gas in. He said that, the car may start again, it may not, but our entire fuel system warranty would be voided.
The second option is that they replace the gas pump, flush the gas system, replace all the components of the system, and do a spotless cleaning job on the engine. The only bad thing is that I would have to pay for that.
Should I sue the gas company I last gassed up at? I dont know what to do right now, and my only option really is the 2nd one, but that sounds expensive. Help please...
I have two options
The first option is that they drain the system and put new gas in. He said that, the car may start again, it may not, but our entire fuel system warranty would be voided.
The second option is that they replace the gas pump, flush the gas system, replace all the components of the system, and do a spotless cleaning job on the engine. The only bad thing is that I would have to pay for that.
Should I sue the gas company I last gassed up at? I dont know what to do right now, and my only option really is the 2nd one, but that sounds expensive. Help please...
#15
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: East Bay Area, CA
Posts: 562
Likes: 0
Received 20 Likes
on
9 Posts
2013 SL 550 (Previously 2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo-S, 2015 Tesla P85D, 2007 S600, 2005 E55 AMG)
The delaer said that the gas was contaminated and because of that, the whole system was contaminated.
I have two options
The first option is that they drain the system and put new gas in. He said that, the car may start again, it may not, but our entire fuel system warranty would be voided.
The second option is that they replace the gas pump, flush the gas system, replace all the components of the system, and do a spotless cleaning job on the engine. The only bad thing is that I would have to pay for that. Should I sue the gas company I last gassed up at? I dont know what to do right now, and my only option really is the 2nd one, but that sounds expensive. Help please...
I have two options
The first option is that they drain the system and put new gas in. He said that, the car may start again, it may not, but our entire fuel system warranty would be voided.
The second option is that they replace the gas pump, flush the gas system, replace all the components of the system, and do a spotless cleaning job on the engine. The only bad thing is that I would have to pay for that. Should I sue the gas company I last gassed up at? I dont know what to do right now, and my only option really is the 2nd one, but that sounds expensive. Help please...
Was this a reputable (well as much as any of them are these days) supplier?
Chris
#16
MBWorld Fanatic!
Unless you can find other people who bought contaminated gas from the same station, you have no case. They can always say someone siphoned gas from your car and replaced it with water so you wouldn't notice.
You need to do some research. If you can find others, the station will have to reimburse you. And yes, you have to do the work. Otherwise, even if your car recovers, you'll never be able to sell it with that on its record.
You need to do some research. If you can find others, the station will have to reimburse you. And yes, you have to do the work. Otherwise, even if your car recovers, you'll never be able to sell it with that on its record.
#17
MBWorld Fanatic!
BTW, when did you last gas up? If it weren't shortly before this happened, things would be very suspicious. Water is heavier than gas, and would get sucked into the engine pretty quickly after it got introduced into your tank, since the fuel line is tapped at the bottom of the tank.
If you had driven a while since you're last fill-up, you need to look for other sources of contamination. Anybody annoyed at you who could have taken a hose to your tank? Going through a divorce?
If you had driven a while since you're last fill-up, you need to look for other sources of contamination. Anybody annoyed at you who could have taken a hose to your tank? Going through a divorce?
#18
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
'07 S550 w/ AMG Package
You mentioned they said there "was tons of water" in the engine. How did they say contaminated gas would have caused that? Where did the water come from? If the gas company had mixed water with the gas (deliberately or by accident) then that would surely have impacted many drivers in your area. Did you always fill up at the same station? This seems like it was something that would have progressively built up over time or the engine would not have run period - if the gas was that contaminated all in one fill-up.
Was this a reputable (well as much as any of them are these days) supplier?
Chris
Was this a reputable (well as much as any of them are these days) supplier?
Chris
#19
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: East Bay Area, CA
Posts: 562
Likes: 0
Received 20 Likes
on
9 Posts
2013 SL 550 (Previously 2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo-S, 2015 Tesla P85D, 2007 S600, 2005 E55 AMG)
The most likely way the gas could have been siphoned out and replaced with water is if the gas cap was forced open... but that is locked and I assume you checked if it has been forced? (Unless you leave your car unlocked where others have access )
Otherwise the cause would appear to be progressive with a little water being introduced over time... If you visited the same gas station continuously that would suggest one possible source, but if you visit different gas stations the cause would more likely seem internal/mechanical or plain malicious.
Just not seeing how the gas station would be at fault from information provided so far - or that you would have a case against them.
Chris
Last edited by cjf_moraga; 06-16-2008 at 08:46 PM.
#20
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Paradise (a.k.a. Austin, TX)
Posts: 888
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
'09 S63 AMG
Wow!
Just wow!
Water in you gas tank! I really don't know what to say. If it's true that the gas station adulterated the gas then I would pursue legal action to the fullest extent of the law. I really can't believe what this country is coming to and the extent to which people can get ripped off.
I used to always wonder about that sleazy looking gas station owner down the street who owned that decrepid gas station..... but figured since there was a large "Mobil" sign in the front the gas was good......
Just wow!
Water in you gas tank! I really don't know what to say. If it's true that the gas station adulterated the gas then I would pursue legal action to the fullest extent of the law. I really can't believe what this country is coming to and the extent to which people can get ripped off.
I used to always wonder about that sleazy looking gas station owner down the street who owned that decrepid gas station..... but figured since there was a large "Mobil" sign in the front the gas was good......
Last edited by AustinGuy; 06-17-2008 at 06:15 PM.
#22
Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2018 S63 Sedan and 2012 E350 Cabriolet
All,
This is such a shocking surprise. I am just wondering if anybody have ever had such problems on any makes other than MB. I have never had this problem ever / never heard. Is it at all possible that there is an issue with MB fuel system etc? Any thoughts?
Thanks!!
This is such a shocking surprise. I am just wondering if anybody have ever had such problems on any makes other than MB. I have never had this problem ever / never heard. Is it at all possible that there is an issue with MB fuel system etc? Any thoughts?
Thanks!!
#23
Super Member
Wow!
Just wow!
Water in you gas tank! I really don't know what to say. If it's true that the gas station adulterated the gas then I would pursue legal action to the fullest extent of the law. I really can't believe what this country is coming to and the extent to which people can get ripped off.
I used to always wonder about that sleazy Muslim looking gas station owner down the street who owned that decrepid gas station..... but figured since there was a large "Mobil" sign in the front the gas was good......
Just wow!
Water in you gas tank! I really don't know what to say. If it's true that the gas station adulterated the gas then I would pursue legal action to the fullest extent of the law. I really can't believe what this country is coming to and the extent to which people can get ripped off.
I used to always wonder about that sleazy Muslim looking gas station owner down the street who owned that decrepid gas station..... but figured since there was a large "Mobil" sign in the front the gas was good......
#24
Super Member
also back to the original problem. ne said the engine compartment was flooded with water. how could that have happened, they surely did not smell gas during tow, so the fuel line was probably intact. sounds more like foul play.
really sorry for u man. hope they find the actual problem
really sorry for u man. hope they find the actual problem
#25
Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2018 S63 Sedan and 2012 E350 Cabriolet
Wow!
Just wow!
Water in you gas tank! I really don't know what to say. If it's true that the gas station adulterated the gas then I would pursue legal action to the fullest extent of the law. I really can't believe what this country is coming to and the extent to which people can get ripped off.
I used to always wonder about that sleazy Muslim looking gas station owner down the street who owned that decrepid gas station..... but figured since there was a large "Mobil" sign in the front the gas was good......
Just wow!
Water in you gas tank! I really don't know what to say. If it's true that the gas station adulterated the gas then I would pursue legal action to the fullest extent of the law. I really can't believe what this country is coming to and the extent to which people can get ripped off.
I used to always wonder about that sleazy Muslim looking gas station owner down the street who owned that decrepid gas station..... but figured since there was a large "Mobil" sign in the front the gas was good......