Urgent notice. 03-06 E55's that were involved in the fuel sender recall are bombs.
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ML550
I had the recall done about a year ago, and then in a follow-up repair visist not too long thereafter, the dealer replace the fuel sending units and a bunch of other fuel system related items. I haven't smelled any fuel fumes since, but yesterday I started getting the "check your fuel cap" warning message and also have both a check engine warning light on as well as the low fuel indicator (even though the tank is full). These were the same indicators as before when I ended up getting major work done on the fuel system.
I plan to pull the engine code tonight and see what's up with that. My car is just about due for it's regularly schedule service "B" at the dealer, so I'll have them sort out the fuel system pressure leak (this is what triggers the false gas cap warning message) when I take it in. Once again, I'm really glad I popped for the extended CPO warranty when I bought my car.
Based on past experience, the fuel smell outside the car will be most pronounced by the filler door on the passenger side if there's a problem. Inside the car, it will just smell like gas. All of these gas fumes are reminding me of my old 1994 BMW 750iL, that was notororious for leaking gas lines at the back of the engine compartment. Lots of those cars actually caught one fire because of the gas dripping on the exhaust manifold. I personally don't think the same level of fire hazard exists with the E55, but having to deal with the leaky fuel system multiple times is not what you expect when you buy a Benz.
I plan to pull the engine code tonight and see what's up with that. My car is just about due for it's regularly schedule service "B" at the dealer, so I'll have them sort out the fuel system pressure leak (this is what triggers the false gas cap warning message) when I take it in. Once again, I'm really glad I popped for the extended CPO warranty when I bought my car.
Based on past experience, the fuel smell outside the car will be most pronounced by the filler door on the passenger side if there's a problem. Inside the car, it will just smell like gas. All of these gas fumes are reminding me of my old 1994 BMW 750iL, that was notororious for leaking gas lines at the back of the engine compartment. Lots of those cars actually caught one fire because of the gas dripping on the exhaust manifold. I personally don't think the same level of fire hazard exists with the E55, but having to deal with the leaky fuel system multiple times is not what you expect when you buy a Benz.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 191
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13 E63
Komp55
IMHO it takes only 5 minutes to pull the seat out and open the inspection cover. Fill the car up and check as noted below for piece of mind.
IMHO it takes only 5 minutes to pull the seat out and open the inspection cover. Fill the car up and check as noted below for piece of mind.
That is how ours started.
52k the recall was performed
61k the seals failed and leaks started again
65k the senders failed/cracked/warped and fuel was pouring out
If you wish to test here is the procedure.
1. Fill the car up.
2. Drive straight home.
3. Park in the driveway.
4. Take rear seat out(pull up on the leading edge of the lower cushion...there are 2 tabs to depress then the seat comes up)
5. 8mm socket and take the drivers side inspection cover off.
6. As you see in my picture there will be a fuel lake around that sender.
52k the recall was performed
61k the seals failed and leaks started again
65k the senders failed/cracked/warped and fuel was pouring out
If you wish to test here is the procedure.
1. Fill the car up.
2. Drive straight home.
3. Park in the driveway.
4. Take rear seat out(pull up on the leading edge of the lower cushion...there are 2 tabs to depress then the seat comes up)
5. 8mm socket and take the drivers side inspection cover off.
6. As you see in my picture there will be a fuel lake around that sender.
Last edited by 03RSTT; Aug 19, 2010 at 11:43 AM.
Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 164
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From: NYC
2005 E55
I get the strong gas smell by the drivers side rear wheel. I have not seen actual gas in my driveway or under the car at any times though. It is even worse on very hot days. This might be due to parts expanding. My check engine light has now come on and i occasionally get the "check gas cap" after filling up. This problem is quite annoying, not to mention dangerous
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2009
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13 E63
You also noted in the other thread that you only fill the car 3/4.
If you wait till you see the gas on the garage floor its too late. Can you perform the procedure above and check under the seat after filling the car up?
If you wait till you see the gas on the garage floor its too late. Can you perform the procedure above and check under the seat after filling the car up?
I get the strong gas smell by the drivers side rear wheel. I have not seen actual gas in my driveway or under the car at any times though. It is even worse on very hot days. This might be due to parts expanding. My check engine light has now come on and i occasionally get the "check gas cap" after filling up. This problem is quite annoying, not to mention dangerous
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 55
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2003 E55 AMG Carlsson Front Spoiler & Diffuser, 175 ASP Pulley, K&Ns, Resonator delete, 19" SL-65s
Hi Ali
Even though there is no smell of gas inside or outstide my car, do you think it is worth getting it checked anyway at my next service at the dealers?
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 661
Likes: 3
From: Saudi Arabia - Qatif
Brabus K8 E55 05
Take it to the nearst Bosch services center " central or eastern or western motors (according to your area) "
you will get half the price of spare parts (they have 50% discount) at the same level of dealer work and maybe better in some cases because they are actually under Al Fahim sponsorship whose the MB dealer sponsor
Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 102
Likes: 2
From: Astoria, NY
2005 Stage I RennTech E55
i had the same problem> the part was changed in 2008, failed 18months later, my warranty was up and they refused to do anything because it was changed. ended up buying the replacement for 550 and doing it myself. thanks for the link. i filed a complaint as well. hopefully MBUSA gives me my damn 550 back
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 191
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13 E63
You are #6 from just this forum with the same failure.
PM sent. I would like you to call the same field rep that I'm dealing with at MB USA. So far 4 of us are calling her with the exact same story.
By chance? I dont think so.
MB USA you have a problem and it leaves us the owners holding the bomb literally.
PM sent. I would like you to call the same field rep that I'm dealing with at MB USA. So far 4 of us are calling her with the exact same story.
By chance? I dont think so.
MB USA you have a problem and it leaves us the owners holding the bomb literally.
i had the same problem> the part was changed in 2008, failed 18months later, my warranty was up and they refused to do anything because it was changed. ended up buying the replacement for 550 and doing it myself. thanks for the link. i filed a complaint as well. hopefully MBUSA gives me my damn 550 back
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 191
Likes: 2
13 E63
Picked up the car tonight. MB Chandler did a fine job with the car and proactively replaced both fuel level sensors. My wife didnt want to drive her car home (40mi) so I drove it and she followed in the LX470.
Still love the E55 and the way it drives. I hope we can fix this problem and keep this car but can I tell you guys something?
My RS6 is way faster than the E55.
Some humor on a thur nite.
Still love the E55 and the way it drives. I hope we can fix this problem and keep this car but can I tell you guys something?
My RS6 is way faster than the E55.
Some humor on a thur nite.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 191
Likes: 2
13 E63
Hmmm,
Problems all over the place. Another owner that has gone thru two sending unit assemblies.
Nothing to see here folks. Yep
http://www.justanswer.com/questions/...mp-overheating
Problems all over the place. Another owner that has gone thru two sending unit assemblies.
Nothing to see here folks. Yep
http://www.justanswer.com/questions/...mp-overheating
Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 191
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13 E63
Ours was covered by extended warranty as well.
But, what does that say about the "fix" and how do you feel about fuel leaking above hot exhaust pipes?
We have had to pay two extended warranty deductables and a 265 dollar tow that I got knocked down to 165 dollars for the problem. No help or communication back from MB USA
Clearly there is an unresolved problem with the design. The next owner may not be so lucky and escape. How should we all fell about that? How will you feel if a burning E55 is on CNN tomorrow?
I have notified this forum. I have called NHTSA and reported a full case. I have called MB USA and advised them of a serious problem. I have called and emailed the local Phoenix news stations.
This is the best I can do. If all these folks choose not to deal with the problem and a burning E55 ends up on CNN. It will not be pretty. I could care less about a few hundred dollars. A safety issue gone unresolved has my attention. This E55 was our first MB. My wife has drove Lexus (SC400,LS400,LX470) for 15 years. If this is how AMG customers are treated....good luck folks. There will be no SL63 or Eclass convert in our future. If and when my RS6 needs serious attention I have the direct line to the RS6 master engineer in MI. Its not rocket science. Educated owners will spread the news good or bad.
But, what does that say about the "fix" and how do you feel about fuel leaking above hot exhaust pipes?
We have had to pay two extended warranty deductables and a 265 dollar tow that I got knocked down to 165 dollars for the problem. No help or communication back from MB USA
Clearly there is an unresolved problem with the design. The next owner may not be so lucky and escape. How should we all fell about that? How will you feel if a burning E55 is on CNN tomorrow?
I have notified this forum. I have called NHTSA and reported a full case. I have called MB USA and advised them of a serious problem. I have called and emailed the local Phoenix news stations.
This is the best I can do. If all these folks choose not to deal with the problem and a burning E55 ends up on CNN. It will not be pretty. I could care less about a few hundred dollars. A safety issue gone unresolved has my attention. This E55 was our first MB. My wife has drove Lexus (SC400,LS400,LX470) for 15 years. If this is how AMG customers are treated....good luck folks. There will be no SL63 or Eclass convert in our future. If and when my RS6 needs serious attention I have the direct line to the RS6 master engineer in MI. Its not rocket science. Educated owners will spread the news good or bad.
Last edited by 03RSTT; Aug 21, 2010 at 07:03 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
2005 E55
My first post as a new member and owner of a E55.
I too have a leaking seal on the fuel level sender as shown on the photos posted.
Thanks to the forum and quality posts (like this) I have an opportunity to keep my family safe by repairing this safety issue. I work in the aviation profession and we have zero tolerance for items we call "safety of flight"; this is one of those type items for all owners.
Pay heed to this...check it yourself then go to the dealer and get it fixed. No amount of money or "I am deeply sorry for your loss" will bring back a loved one or put skin and hair on your son, daughter or wife...much less each of us!
I sincerely appreciate this post and the concern and care given to each of the members to ensure our safety.
I too have a leaking seal on the fuel level sender as shown on the photos posted.
Thanks to the forum and quality posts (like this) I have an opportunity to keep my family safe by repairing this safety issue. I work in the aviation profession and we have zero tolerance for items we call "safety of flight"; this is one of those type items for all owners.
Pay heed to this...check it yourself then go to the dealer and get it fixed. No amount of money or "I am deeply sorry for your loss" will bring back a loved one or put skin and hair on your son, daughter or wife...much less each of us!
I sincerely appreciate this post and the concern and care given to each of the members to ensure our safety.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 191
Likes: 2
13 E63
Bingo.
Exactly why I did what I did.
Exactly why I did what I did.
My first post as a new member and owner of a E55.
I too have a leaking seal on the fuel level sender as shown on the photos posted.
Thanks to the forum and quality posts (like this) I have an opportunity to keep my family safe by repairing this safety issue. I work in the aviation profession and we have zero tolerance for items we call "safety of flight"; this is one of those type items for all owners.
Pay heed to this...check it yourself then go to the dealer and get it fixed. No amount of money or "I am deeply sorry for your loss" will bring back a loved one or put skin and hair on your son, daughter or wife...much less each of us!
I sincerely appreciate this post and the concern and care given to each of the members to ensure our safety.
I too have a leaking seal on the fuel level sender as shown on the photos posted.
Thanks to the forum and quality posts (like this) I have an opportunity to keep my family safe by repairing this safety issue. I work in the aviation profession and we have zero tolerance for items we call "safety of flight"; this is one of those type items for all owners.
Pay heed to this...check it yourself then go to the dealer and get it fixed. No amount of money or "I am deeply sorry for your loss" will bring back a loved one or put skin and hair on your son, daughter or wife...much less each of us!
I sincerely appreciate this post and the concern and care given to each of the members to ensure our safety.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 756
Likes: 19
From: Denver
McLaren 12C Spider | Lamborghini Superleggera | Porsche 997.2 TT | Cayenne TT | AMG GTS
My car had the recall service completed and the seal leaked a year and half later. The seal was replaced under warranty again. The dealer blamed it on a bad installation.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 191
Likes: 2
13 E63
Just as Bonai Kid noted above.
"Pay heed to this...check it yourself then go to the dealer and get it fixed. No amount of money or "I am deeply sorry for your loss" will bring back a loved one or put skin and hair on your son, daughter or wife...much less each of us!"
Do you think anyone else cares about you and your family safety? I mean really cares enough to do something?
Our car has the recall completed at 52k miles. We started smelling gas on fill ups around 60k and finally found another leak at 61k. The seals on the component were changed at 61k. Dealer said the same thing you were told...its fine and these things happen. Dont worry.
Then at 65k without no notice all hell broke loose and we had gas pouring out from the sending unit pictured. 3k miles after I was told "its fine dont worry about it"
Sound like anything you were told?
"Pay heed to this...check it yourself then go to the dealer and get it fixed. No amount of money or "I am deeply sorry for your loss" will bring back a loved one or put skin and hair on your son, daughter or wife...much less each of us!"
Do you think anyone else cares about you and your family safety? I mean really cares enough to do something?
Our car has the recall completed at 52k miles. We started smelling gas on fill ups around 60k and finally found another leak at 61k. The seals on the component were changed at 61k. Dealer said the same thing you were told...its fine and these things happen. Dont worry.
Then at 65k without no notice all hell broke loose and we had gas pouring out from the sending unit pictured. 3k miles after I was told "its fine dont worry about it"
Sound like anything you were told?
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
2005 E55
Update on the Leaking Fuel Filter Assy.
Ok guys...here is another leaking Fuel Filter Assy.. Notice the dark fuel sludge...this condition is very serious. I am not a smoker but if I was or if I had passengers enter the vehicle this afternoon after having it sit in the sun with a full tank there were such heavy fumes one might be concerned about ignition from spark or cigarrette.
Please take heed. If you smell gas...check it. It takes only minutes. The quality of the maintenance access seal and the torque on the bolts on the panel can mask the seriousness of the leak and the amount of fuel that has leaked. The gas clearly has seaped during the day out the bottom of the maintenance panel and soaked the insulation bad to the point that the black plastic on the seat cushion side is now gummy and ruined.
This is serious. See photos.
Please take heed. If you smell gas...check it. It takes only minutes. The quality of the maintenance access seal and the torque on the bolts on the panel can mask the seriousness of the leak and the amount of fuel that has leaked. The gas clearly has seaped during the day out the bottom of the maintenance panel and soaked the insulation bad to the point that the black plastic on the seat cushion side is now gummy and ruined.
This is serious. See photos.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 191
Likes: 2
13 E63
Bonai Kid,
As I noted above. Bingo we have another winner.
What is the old saying?
Bada bing
Bada bang
Bada BOOM
Tick, tick, tick....do you MB owners with E55s have car bombs too? I think its time for legal help in this matter.
As I noted above. Bingo we have another winner.
What is the old saying?
Bada bing
Bada bang
Bada BOOM
Tick, tick, tick....do you MB owners with E55s have car bombs too? I think its time for legal help in this matter.
Ok guys...here is another leaking Fuel Filter Assy.. Notice the dark fuel sludge...this condition is very serious. I am not a smoker but if I was or if I had passengers enter the vehicle this afternoon after having it sit in the sun with a full tank there were such heavy fumes one might be concerned about ignition from spark or cigarrette.
Please take heed. If you smell gas...check it. It takes only minutes. The quality of the maintenance access seal and the torque on the bolts on the panel can mask the seriousness of the leak and the amount of fuel that has leaked. The gas clearly has seaped during the day out the bottom of the maintenance panel and soaked the insulation bad to the point that the black plastic on the seat cushion side is now gummy and ruined.
This is serious. See photos.
Please take heed. If you smell gas...check it. It takes only minutes. The quality of the maintenance access seal and the torque on the bolts on the panel can mask the seriousness of the leak and the amount of fuel that has leaked. The gas clearly has seaped during the day out the bottom of the maintenance panel and soaked the insulation bad to the point that the black plastic on the seat cushion side is now gummy and ruined.
This is serious. See photos.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 191
Likes: 2
13 E63
The time needed to repeat the leak seems to run between 14-18 months.
Follow the procedure to check the seal.
If you wish to test here is the procedure.
1. Fill the car up.
2. Drive straight home.
3. Park in the driveway.
4. Take rear seat out(pull up on the leading edge of the lower cushion...there are 2 tabs to depress then the seat comes up)
5. 8mm socket and take the drivers side inspection cover off.
6. As you see in my picture there will be a fuel lake around that sender.
Follow the procedure to check the seal.
If you wish to test here is the procedure.
1. Fill the car up.
2. Drive straight home.
3. Park in the driveway.
4. Take rear seat out(pull up on the leading edge of the lower cushion...there are 2 tabs to depress then the seat comes up)
5. 8mm socket and take the drivers side inspection cover off.
6. As you see in my picture there will be a fuel lake around that sender.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 191
Likes: 2
13 E63
BTW
I do have a theory as to why this is happening. I will inspect my old parts and work on that theory. Lets just say a design change to the fuel system that was mandated by the EPA is behind the problem. Not saying the EPA caused the leak but the EPA mandate caused a design change in the fuel delivery on these engines. And the result was and is a **** poor design.
I do have a theory as to why this is happening. I will inspect my old parts and work on that theory. Lets just say a design change to the fuel system that was mandated by the EPA is behind the problem. Not saying the EPA caused the leak but the EPA mandate caused a design change in the fuel delivery on these engines. And the result was and is a **** poor design.
Ok guys...here is another leaking Fuel Filter Assy.. Notice the dark fuel sludge...this condition is very serious. I am not a smoker but if I was or if I had passengers enter the vehicle this afternoon after having it sit in the sun with a full tank there were such heavy fumes one might be concerned about ignition from spark or cigarrette.
Please take heed. If you smell gas...check it. It takes only minutes. The quality of the maintenance access seal and the torque on the bolts on the panel can mask the seriousness of the leak and the amount of fuel that has leaked. The gas clearly has seaped during the day out the bottom of the maintenance panel and soaked the insulation bad to the point that the black plastic on the seat cushion side is now gummy and ruined.
This is serious. See photos.
Please take heed. If you smell gas...check it. It takes only minutes. The quality of the maintenance access seal and the torque on the bolts on the panel can mask the seriousness of the leak and the amount of fuel that has leaked. The gas clearly has seaped during the day out the bottom of the maintenance panel and soaked the insulation bad to the point that the black plastic on the seat cushion side is now gummy and ruined.
This is serious. See photos.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,190
Likes: 35
shrimp boat
The time needed to repeat the leak seems to run between 14-18 months.
Follow the procedure to check the seal.
If you wish to test here is the procedure.
1. Fill the car up.
2. Drive straight home.
3. Park in the driveway.
4. Take rear seat out(pull up on the leading edge of the lower cushion...there are 2 tabs to depress then the seat comes up)
5. 8mm socket and take the drivers side inspection cover off.
6. As you see in my picture there will be a fuel lake around that sender.
Follow the procedure to check the seal.
If you wish to test here is the procedure.
1. Fill the car up.
2. Drive straight home.
3. Park in the driveway.
4. Take rear seat out(pull up on the leading edge of the lower cushion...there are 2 tabs to depress then the seat comes up)
5. 8mm socket and take the drivers side inspection cover off.
6. As you see in my picture there will be a fuel lake around that sender.
Like I said previously, I have the gas smell only when I try to overfill the car. If I stop when the pump stop, no smell. And the smell is only from the outside. You cannot smell the gas inside the car.
I did take the seat out and inspected the areas. Driver side do have a darken plastic symptom but not on the passenger side. So I guess my car do have a problem. I will try not to fill the car all the way up and see what happen. Hopefully we will have a solution soon. I also re-tighten the basket and it did have a little more room to go.
