BBBSS

So any last minute predictions? I have a feeling its gonna be some .05 cent O ring or something silly that's a band aid. I'd be pretty shocked if they actually step up with a proper fix (new tank?). Hopefully if this is the case NHTSA will see how many tanks they made people replace before and make Mercedes do that (with a new correctly made part) for all of us.

Just my guess, and how I hope it will end.

gaazmon

had my seals replaced less than a month ago and today the check gas cap red message, check engine light, and flashing fuel pump symbol all came back on today.

i agree hopefully NHTSA can come up with a proper solution for MB to implement. tomorrow is the deadline

novae500

Your Complaint Information has been successfully submitted.

Your Confirmation Number (ODI Number) is: 10455065

This is for my E500 4matic thats experiencing the dreaded gas smell after fill up.

Hulk

They are going to blame the ethanol for sure, but irrelevant because they should know that for every country there are different fuel

moosejaw

I dont think when Ethanol was introduced a few years back in our gasoline they had any idea how corrosive the stuff is even if it is 10%
So why arent other manufacturer's suffering from the same problem?

moosejaw

Is today the deadline?

Hulk

Yes u are correct, that is a good argument if they blame ethanol

Today is the deadline

cij911

I personally think it is just a bad design. Why not just use a simple fuel cell with a giant inline pump that can easily be serviced? Before this I was actually considering installing a fuel cell in the factory location, the only issue I could see was calibrating the fuel gauge.

I hope MB is forced to fix this problem...

fly2nite

How soon after their first deadline were we able to get a copy of the extension request? I'd sure like to know their response before the day is up.

I Like Soup

Your Complaint Information has been successfully submitted.
Your Confirmation Number (ODI Number) is: 10455105.

I'm one of those folks who would like to see government oversight significantly reduced from the bloated, inefficient, corrupt entity it has become, but it does serve a purpose in regards to public safety...and this is one of those!

AgSilver

I too raised this theory in a previous post. My E55 has been in Europe for the last seven years and has never been exposed to ethanol with no problem whatsoever to date. Further, I know many MB techs and dealers in Europe and this problem is unknown to them. We shall see - - -

fly2nite

Well, as of right now there are no additional documents posted on NHTSA, so I guess we'll have to wait until Monday.

pj57

Picked up my 04 E55 today. Dealership replaced sending unit on passenger rear side (whichever it is) under warranty from previous repair in July 2011. At that time I paid $2K For both sending units to be replaced since, according to the dealer, the recall had been done on my vehicle in 2008 and there was no further coverage of a failed recall part. I made the argument today that I still should be entitled a refund and surprisingly got a partial budge. He offered me half of what I paid for the repair ($1000) in future service work and parts. I know that equates to about $300 in actual cost to the dealer, but it's at least a start. I told him about the NHTSA investigation, showed him the letter and he read it right there on the spot. His only comment was, "you might get your refund after all...we shall see." I do have one question for you all. Was it customary for dealers to replace both sending units (right and left)? I recall someone commenting one unit could not be installed without the other because they were somehow connected? In my case it wouldn't surprise me that my dealer seized the opportunity to nail the unsuspecting (me). I was simply told both units were leaking. In any event, my main point is...have there been leaks observed on both sides and, if so, my read of the NHTSA letter to MB seems to focus on only one of the sending units. Does the complaint need to be expanded to include both units? Any thoughts? PJ

BenzoDoc

Bump. Anyone have any info?

MindBend

What is the "proper" fix for this? A new tank, sending unit and gasket?
I just got my E55, don't smell gas, but would prefer to fix it before I do. Of course, Murphy's Law states that it will happen at the worst possible time!

cij911

The parts swappers don't know diddly...the parts need to be re-engineered / designed as the current ones are defective and a swap will just be a temporary fix.

BlownV8

+1,000,000. Swapping the parts for the same ones won't offer a long term solution.

moosejaw

I want to report that I've had the NHTSA call me up and ask me questions that pertain to this problem. They are taking this seriously and Ive directed them to this link and others so that they may gather evidence.

What can really help if anyone who has paid out of pocket for this repair to please contact me via PM. I would need a copy of an invoice or a quote for the work done to show the folks back at the NHTSA how Mercedes is trying to bill the customer for this repair.

Im turning my PMs back on now

Ronan Mc Cabe

PM sent

moosejaw

Got it and replied thank you!

sparky909

I bought my E55 last year and I have not had any fuel smell in the car as of yet....is there another way to tell if I have the issue or if it was fixed? I would like to have it fixed if it needs it but I don't think I have grounds to file a claim if my car is not showing signs of the problem?? any ideas or thoughts?

03RSTT

What a nice surprise. Thanks to Moosejaw for the PM about current status. Just an update on our E55. Since the tank replacement everything has been ok but we dont fill up the car and its not summer yet. Wife wants the car gone and MB will never get our business again. Audi will and we have gone to the Audi sportscar experience and she spent the day in a R8 spyder. A new A8L is in the works and we will most likely trade in the AMG. A8L will sit in the garage next to the RS6 and S6 Avant.

Nice work MB USA. What was that movie line in the Will Smith alien movie? The guy flies the jet up the tailpipe of the spaceship and says....

"Hello boys......Im back"

LOL

MindBend

It's a really EPIC FAIL that a car with this kinda price tag isn't well-supported by the manufacturer. Like a lot of my favorite things: love the product, hate the company! Mine had the recall done in 2008. No fuel smell thus far--keeping fingers crossed!

03RSTT

It seems the chickens have come home to roost. Im alittle surprised it took so long but the wheels at NHTSA are headed in the right direction. After reading the stipulations in the letter I can understand why MB made the decision to deny most all of the claims out of warranty. If MB allowed warranty claims then this data would be easy to fish out at some later date. By full denial of the claims and sending as many owners outside the dealerships and to private shops the claim numbers would "look" smaller.

Never mind pissing off every AMG owner in the process. Bad decision boys.

If I have some time this weekend....I plan to gather up my data/pictures and revisit this situation.

pj57

Anything new on MB's reply? I have checked the NHTSA website, but they have not posted anything since the letter granting the extension. PJ