DIY-W210 E55-fuel level sending unit
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 271
Likes: 3
From: NY
1999 Mercedes Benz E55 AMG
DIY-W210 E55-fuel level sending unit
Hey guys!
I've always been helped by folks on this forum,so I'd like to give back with this DIY.
If your car is not showing you the correct amount of gas you have in the tank or the indicator stays on Empty or Full all the time,most likely the problem is your FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT located in your tank.
Here's a pic of the OEM unit made by VDO:
https://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...t-img_0012.jpg
First thing you have to make sure is that you don't have more than a quarter of a tank of gas.Trust me! It's very important if you don't want gas to be spilled all over your trunk!!!
You will need a special tool to open it or you can make your own,it's up to you. You can buy this tool from Ebay for 22$ plus 8$ shipping,just like I did.Here's how it looks:
https://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...t-img_0044.jpg
The FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT is located in the trunk,you will have to remove the back cover:
https://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...t-img_0038.jpg
First unscrew the 2 screws located at the bottom to the right and left. They have plastic clips:
https://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...t-img_0037.jpg
On each side,after removing the trunk cover to expose the spare tire,you will find 2 plastic clips as well. Remove those.
On each side of the trunk there are also 2 plastic clips that need to be removed at the top.
Now you can remove the back cover gently.
You will see the FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT just as soon as you've removed the back cover. Disconnect the 2 plugs from the FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT:
https://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...t-img_0040.jpg
Insert the special tool in the 2 holes on the FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT located at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock.
You will need a 17 mm wrench to gently unscrew the FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT:
https://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...t-img_0045.jpg
Gently jiggle the unit out,making sure you don't spill any gas.
Insert the new unit the same way.
Screw the new unit back in,making sure the position of the 2 holes come back to the same 12 o'clock-6 o'clock position. You don't need to put too much strength into it,it will get into position with a click.You can use some vaseline to make it click back in easily. The new unit comes with a brand new gasket,so you don't need to use the old one.
Connect back the plugs.
Put back the trunk cover.
That's it!
Hope this helps...
I've always been helped by folks on this forum,so I'd like to give back with this DIY.
If your car is not showing you the correct amount of gas you have in the tank or the indicator stays on Empty or Full all the time,most likely the problem is your FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT located in your tank.
Here's a pic of the OEM unit made by VDO:
https://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...t-img_0012.jpg
First thing you have to make sure is that you don't have more than a quarter of a tank of gas.Trust me! It's very important if you don't want gas to be spilled all over your trunk!!!
You will need a special tool to open it or you can make your own,it's up to you. You can buy this tool from Ebay for 22$ plus 8$ shipping,just like I did.Here's how it looks:
https://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...t-img_0044.jpg
The FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT is located in the trunk,you will have to remove the back cover:
https://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...t-img_0038.jpg
First unscrew the 2 screws located at the bottom to the right and left. They have plastic clips:
https://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...t-img_0037.jpg
On each side,after removing the trunk cover to expose the spare tire,you will find 2 plastic clips as well. Remove those.
On each side of the trunk there are also 2 plastic clips that need to be removed at the top.
Now you can remove the back cover gently.
You will see the FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT just as soon as you've removed the back cover. Disconnect the 2 plugs from the FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT:
https://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...t-img_0040.jpg
Insert the special tool in the 2 holes on the FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT located at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock.
You will need a 17 mm wrench to gently unscrew the FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT:
https://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...t-img_0045.jpg
Gently jiggle the unit out,making sure you don't spill any gas.
Insert the new unit the same way.
Screw the new unit back in,making sure the position of the 2 holes come back to the same 12 o'clock-6 o'clock position. You don't need to put too much strength into it,it will get into position with a click.You can use some vaseline to make it click back in easily. The new unit comes with a brand new gasket,so you don't need to use the old one.
Connect back the plugs.
Put back the trunk cover.
That's it!
Hope this helps...
Last edited by Neanicu888; Feb 18, 2012 at 07:55 PM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 271
Likes: 3
From: NY
1999 Mercedes Benz E55 AMG
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 998
Likes: 4
From: Central Connecticut
86 190D (Exported to the Nerderlands), 87 300TD (Sold), 82 Ford F150 3spd, 99 E300D (RIP), 02 E55
I always go back to the dealership to get parts. At least you know they are genuine. Their price are competative and after paying for shipping if you buy it off the internet, how much do you save anyways.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 271
Likes: 3
From: NY
1999 Mercedes Benz E55 AMG
And that's why you buy OEM(original equipment manufacturer),which is the exact same part that the dealer has. Made in Germany by VDO.
Now like I said,the Stealer wants 264$.
You do the math.
264$-140$=124$!!!
You kiddin' me?!
That's almost the price of another unit!
Last edited by Neanicu888; Feb 18, 2012 at 10:38 PM.
