BBBSS

I was going through the reports and it seems at the time of the investigation opened 20 reports are referenced specifically to the E55. I base this on the 20 report numbers referenced in the initial investigation filing notes.

As of today there are now 42 complaints of this problem filed. (They are probably going WTF 22 complaints in like 2 days? Hopefully my email linking to this thread is followed up on and they see why the sudden flood)

The breakdown of reported claims per model year as of this post is as follows:
2006 5
2005 15
2004 12
2003 10

cij911

It would be great if everyone that had this fixed under warranty or paid out of pocket could be included in this complaint as well....There has to be a way for the agency to look at specific part # sales to get a better perspective of the problem (that would address dealer and independent repair shops).

moosejaw

NHTSA has requested everything but the kitchen sink in their letter request
The friday after next is the response deadline. I wouldnt be surprised if MBUSA requested a extension, but they are still on the hook for a partial response by that date

Hulk

They will be included, if anyone paid out of pocket MBUSA will make good via credit or money back however, if it was repaired at Indy , I'm not sure they will reimburse that

cij911

How did you get this level of detail ? Basically all I got was a thank you letter for submitting my safety complaint. I hope you are correct, but I am skeptical until I see a recall .... Cross our fingers...

moosejaw

See post #363

BBBSS

I'm guessing they're gonna try throwing a thicker gasket for the sending unit to tank contact point at us, and not sure what kinda tomfoolery they will come up with this time for the sending units cracking. Maybe they will smear some epoxy over it so its stronger? lol Their last response to the problem is about on that level in my opinion.

NHTSA needs to put their nuts in a vice after that last half hearted effort at a fix that failed miserably.

moosejaw

A thicker gasket won't cut it especially after so many customers replaced gas tanks at their own cost after being told by the dealer this was the only fix

BBBSS

I agree, just have a strange feeling Mercedes is gonna try to do anything to keep costs down. Thousands of replaced tanks + labor is gonna be a massive expense.

Hulk

Yes I guarantee they will try a fuel sender replace at their expense first but when again there are problems and more complaints they will have no choice, the only thing that I keep thinking about is that there will be no injuries

jimshadow

2003 E55. 100,000 miles. Diagnosed yesterday. Dealer quoted $1450 fix......

cij911

My dealer just quoted close to $3000 to fix....I am awaiting a response from MB Corporate as I have made it clear it is an MB issue that needs to be covered / fixed by MB....Also, my extended warranty company is refusing to fix it because they claim it is a known problem and MB is responsible...I am waiting to see what MB does and the result of the NHTSA / ODI investigation...

I have no idea why MB could not just modifying the sealing area to make an easy fix....From what I understand this is what many independent mechanics have done for a long time....

Hulk

That seems low, what do they wanna change?


Actually if they modify the sealing the problem is still there, it would be like closing up a gunshot wound but the bullet is still lodged in, everything has to be changed, I have seen it first hand by my SA friend, and he told me, everything has to be changed unfortunately

cij911

Why so ? I would think if the issue is a sealing problem, then designing a better seal would be a great solution. Also if the issue is a design issue, then wouldn't replacing everything just be destined to fail in the future just like the original items or has there been a design change ? Thanks for all of your help and information.

Hulk

According to my SA friend there were some minor changes since newer E series also have the problem , what exactly has been changed, I don't know but obviously something is different...he was actually on the side of that the parts got old and deteriated however when he started to see cars with 10k miles come in, he started to change his mind, bottom line MB design was poor and caused this, this is why the MBUSA head engineer has to answer to the NHTSA and tell THEM what is causing this problem...

zkeller

I wish you luck. MB Corporate told me it was a wear and tear item and the best they could do was a 10% discount at the dealer level off of the entire invoice....

BBBSS

It's pretty damn sad MBUSA is claiming a gas tank is a wear item. Really? lol wow...

Good thing they made it easy to replace the tank since its a wear item.

cij911

MB is taking ownership of the problem (at least with my car)...I have to sign a release...I will need to read over the release, but so far I am very optimistic and very happy with MB...

Hulk

Exotic-metal55

Wow, have not heard about this problem in years. Both tanks are under the rear seat, so that would be nasty if they went up.. Good luck and glad to hear MB is taking care of it.

cij911

Quick update : My release is rather broad and I am unsure whether I can sign because it states that I may never (past or future) file a complaint with a gov't agency or file suit...No idea how they can do that....But I already filed a complaint with NHTSA, so I have to get them to change the language....Obviously the release states no acceptance of wrong doing on their part or acceptance of liability....

moosejaw

If i were u....
I'd send it back with a bag of dog poop.

AgSilver

Before you sign what appears to be a general release you really should have an attorney review it. Further, you must receive from MB a detailed and complete description of what repairs they are agreeing to be responsible for and the warranty period that would apply to the repairs.

cij911

I actually laughed out loud...Thanks for everyone's help...

Hulk

Do NOT sign that because in an event that there's an injury you can't pursue them, anything that would require you to sign that you have no recourse against MB is bad news, at this point tell them you will have an attorney look over the paper work, at very worst it will cost you 300-500$ to save you from a big mistake.