URGENT: NHTSA Opens investigation into fuel leaks on the E55.
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From: The Granite State
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Pull the rear seat and the inspection covers to get air in there to help with the evaporation.... drive it as much as possible to get the fuel below 3/4 tank.
Once you're there the smell should dissapate. Put the inspection cover back on and re-install the seat.
If you haven't already. Take GOOD photos of the fuel leak puddling.... some up close, and some from further away to help identify the overall location (passenger side, vs driver side). NHTSA will be happy to get additional photos to help bolster their case.
-G
Once you're there the smell should dissapate. Put the inspection cover back on and re-install the seat.
If you haven't already. Take GOOD photos of the fuel leak puddling.... some up close, and some from further away to help identify the overall location (passenger side, vs driver side). NHTSA will be happy to get additional photos to help bolster their case.
-G
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From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
FYI I have switched to NON Ethanol Prem fuel at 93 octane and last week got 27.2 mpg steady cruise at 70 mph. I have filed a complainte with NTSB on SBC brakes but so far no issue on the fuel tank and hopefully it will be ok running Non E fuel until i part with the car.
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03 E55 AMG, 06 Harley Road King Custom 06 Ram 2500 Cummins, 97 Firebird Race Car, 88 Cutlass Supreme
Which will begin expiring in 2013 for the 2003 cars. 
Prices have come down a lot though.
Prices have come down a lot though.
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From: Canada
2004 E55 AMG
damn! what about us Canadians ? I have the same issue but I am taking it to the dealership to get it fixed, to me they are telling it's only the fuel sending unit but can't be checked until after that fixed. Cost me about $500
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You're going to have to to parliament hill and ask your prime minister
Maybe the queens husband will help you change your gas tank out?
Your honestly the first Canadian car ive heard that has this issue. Are you sure your car isn't American or used American fuel?
I know premium gas in Canada has no ethanol in it
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From: Florida-Germany-New York
2004 E55,1969 300SEL6.3,2011 ML350 BlueTec Diesel,2005 ML400 CDI
Can't help you there Eh!
You're going to have to to parliament hill and ask your prime minister
Maybe the queens husband will help you change your gas tank out?
Your honestly the first Canadian car ive heard that has this issue. Are you sure your car isn't American or used American fuel?
I know premium gas in Canada has no ethanol in it
You're going to have to to parliament hill and ask your prime minister
Maybe the queens husband will help you change your gas tank out?
Your honestly the first Canadian car ive heard that has this issue. Are you sure your car isn't American or used American fuel?
I know premium gas in Canada has no ethanol in it
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As I have previously posted, my 55 has not seen ethanol laced gasoline since early 2005. The 2008 fuel system recall campaign was just completed two months ago by MB in Germany. They were kind enough to replace the pump-filter assemblies at no charge as the car now has about 63,000 miles. The leak problem is non existent in Europe AND there is no ethanol in the gasoline.
But ethanol is now required in Sweden, over 190,000 vehicles now use ethanol
France, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands are now offering e85 and e50 fuels more than ever. However i believe all european countries use a sugarcane based fuel.
I do not think it is mixed in with regular fuels like in the us. And it is availble as an option. Mainly used for public transportation.
I read that Germany has less than 100 gas stations with ethanol available. So thats maybe why you dont see it offered?
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From: Canada
2004 E55 AMG
Can't help you there Eh!
You're going to have to to parliament hill and ask your prime minister
Maybe the queens husband will help you change your gas tank out?
Your honestly the first Canadian car ive heard that has this issue. Are you sure your car isn't American or used American fuel?
I know premium gas in Canada has no ethanol in it
You're going to have to to parliament hill and ask your prime minister
Maybe the queens husband will help you change your gas tank out?
Your honestly the first Canadian car ive heard that has this issue. Are you sure your car isn't American or used American fuel?
I know premium gas in Canada has no ethanol in it
I put Shell 91 Octane in it. Recently took it to the Dealership to check it out, they told me the unit under the seat has a problem , now I forgot what exactly it is called though. Taking it in on Wednesday to get it fixed, after that they will fuel it up full to check if it's the tank or the unit under the seat. I'll let you know.
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Recently took it to the Dealership to check it out, they told me the unit under the seat has a problem , now I forgot what exactly it is called though. Taking it in on Wednesday to get it fixed, after that they will fuel it up full to check if it's the tank or the unit under the seat. I'll let you know.
I'm perplexed how anyone can read this thread and not know EXACTLY what parts are suspect. All the part numbers and diagrams are posted here.
Study up before you let your dealer start swapping parts. If you think a $600 paint job is expensive, you can't afford to give them a blank check for the fuel leak repair. It could cost you thousands of $$$. Worse yet, the dealer could charge you several hundred dollars for partial parts swaps that don't even solve the problem.
-G
Last edited by GregMB; Nov 6, 2012 at 09:17 AM.
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From: Canada
2004 E55 AMG
I'm perplexed how anyone can read this thread and not know EXACTLY what parts are suspect. All the part numbers and diagrams are posted here.
Study up before you let your dealer start swapping parts. If you think a $600 paint job is expensive, you can't afford to give them a blank check for the fuel leak repair. It could cost you thousands of $$$. Worse yet, the dealer will charge you several hundred dollars for partial parts swaps that don't even solve the problem.
-G
Study up before you let your dealer start swapping parts. If you think a $600 paint job is expensive, you can't afford to give them a blank check for the fuel leak repair. It could cost you thousands of $$$. Worse yet, the dealer will charge you several hundred dollars for partial parts swaps that don't even solve the problem.
-G
I never said $600 paint job is expensive, I said that "$ 5000 pearl white paint job is expensive and I rather get Eurocharged stage 2 instead of spending that much on paint"
Also this is my second car , had a 1991 Mercedes E300 4 matic and then a Prelude and now this. Only worked on my Prelude this is I'm just skeptical to do anything.
If I have had the car for an year I wouldn't mind opening it up but right now it's new for me so no chances. You guys also recommend on this forum that learn first then do something otherwise the DIY job could end up becoming thousand dollar mess up
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From: The Granite State
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Guys,
Here's the latest update:
Viren.89:
My advice is to not bring your car ANYWHERE for the repair of the fuel leak. Whether it's a dealership or privateer, its going to cost you a fortune and there's no guarantee that the leak will be fixed anyway.
If you can fix a Prelude, you can easily confirm this leak for yourself. There is a small recessed hole on either side of the lower seat cushion. Inside that hole is a small spring clip that locks the cushion in place. Push those tabs in with your finger and lift up on the seat to remove it. Grab an 8mm socket.... if you've worked on imports, you already have the tools. Loosen the perimeter bolts on the two inspection covers under the seat (there is probably a thin soundproofing pad that needs to be lifted up first).
Remove the covers and observe whether there is a fuel smell or not, and if there are any signs of fuel puddling in those areas. TAKE PHOTOS OF WHAT YOU FIND!!!!
The best you can do at this point is to dry out the area with paper towels and drive the car with the windows open to help evaporate all the excess fuel. Once the tank is below 3/4 full, the smell should go away permanently. Don't ever fill your tank about 3/4..... when the fuel warning light comes on, you can add exactly 10 gallons to the tank. That will keep you at 3/4 full and you shouldn't smell fuel ever again.
Eventually, MBZ will be forced to deal with this fuel leak issue and at that point you can finally bring it in for repairs knowing that they will actually solve the problem (at least we all HOPE they will). Until then, you are just going to be wasting money on parts swapping that hasn't been proven to resolve the issue at all.
-G
Here's the latest update:
Viren.89:
My advice is to not bring your car ANYWHERE for the repair of the fuel leak. Whether it's a dealership or privateer, its going to cost you a fortune and there's no guarantee that the leak will be fixed anyway.
If you can fix a Prelude, you can easily confirm this leak for yourself. There is a small recessed hole on either side of the lower seat cushion. Inside that hole is a small spring clip that locks the cushion in place. Push those tabs in with your finger and lift up on the seat to remove it. Grab an 8mm socket.... if you've worked on imports, you already have the tools. Loosen the perimeter bolts on the two inspection covers under the seat (there is probably a thin soundproofing pad that needs to be lifted up first).
Remove the covers and observe whether there is a fuel smell or not, and if there are any signs of fuel puddling in those areas. TAKE PHOTOS OF WHAT YOU FIND!!!!
The best you can do at this point is to dry out the area with paper towels and drive the car with the windows open to help evaporate all the excess fuel. Once the tank is below 3/4 full, the smell should go away permanently. Don't ever fill your tank about 3/4..... when the fuel warning light comes on, you can add exactly 10 gallons to the tank. That will keep you at 3/4 full and you shouldn't smell fuel ever again.
Eventually, MBZ will be forced to deal with this fuel leak issue and at that point you can finally bring it in for repairs knowing that they will actually solve the problem (at least we all HOPE they will). Until then, you are just going to be wasting money on parts swapping that hasn't been proven to resolve the issue at all.
-G
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From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: SNH
2006 E55
The colder weather certainly makes the symptoms worse. I had to leave my car outside the garage last night and it dipped into the twenties. The raw fuel smell this morning was the worst its ever been. I had to drive the first few miles with the windows open.
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,242
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From: Canada
2004 E55 AMG
Guys,
Here's the latest update:
Viren.89:
My advice is to not bring your car ANYWHERE for the repair of the fuel leak. Whether it's a dealership or privateer, its going to cost you a fortune and there's no guarantee that the leak will be fixed anyway.
If you can fix a Prelude, you can easily confirm this leak for yourself. There is a small recessed hole on either side of the lower seat cushion. Inside that hole is a small spring clip that locks the cushion in place. Push those tabs in with your finger and lift up on the seat to remove it. Grab an 8mm socket.... if you've worked on imports, you already have the tools. Loosen the perimeter bolts on the two inspection covers under the seat (there is probably a thin soundproofing pad that needs to be lifted up first).
Remove the covers and observe whether there is a fuel smell or not, and if there are any signs of fuel puddling in those areas. TAKE PHOTOS OF WHAT YOU FIND!!!!
The best you can do at this point is to dry out the area with paper towels and drive the car with the windows open to help evaporate all the excess fuel. Once the tank is below 3/4 full, the smell should go away permanently. Don't ever fill your tank about 3/4..... when the fuel warning light comes on, you can add exactly 10 gallons to the tank. That will keep you at 3/4 full and you shouldn't smell fuel ever again.
Eventually, MBZ will be forced to deal with this fuel leak issue and at that point you can finally bring it in for repairs knowing that they will actually solve the problem (at least we all HOPE they will). Until then, you are just going to be wasting money on parts swapping that hasn't been proven to resolve the issue at all.
-G
Here's the latest update:
Viren.89:
My advice is to not bring your car ANYWHERE for the repair of the fuel leak. Whether it's a dealership or privateer, its going to cost you a fortune and there's no guarantee that the leak will be fixed anyway.
If you can fix a Prelude, you can easily confirm this leak for yourself. There is a small recessed hole on either side of the lower seat cushion. Inside that hole is a small spring clip that locks the cushion in place. Push those tabs in with your finger and lift up on the seat to remove it. Grab an 8mm socket.... if you've worked on imports, you already have the tools. Loosen the perimeter bolts on the two inspection covers under the seat (there is probably a thin soundproofing pad that needs to be lifted up first).
Remove the covers and observe whether there is a fuel smell or not, and if there are any signs of fuel puddling in those areas. TAKE PHOTOS OF WHAT YOU FIND!!!!
The best you can do at this point is to dry out the area with paper towels and drive the car with the windows open to help evaporate all the excess fuel. Once the tank is below 3/4 full, the smell should go away permanently. Don't ever fill your tank about 3/4..... when the fuel warning light comes on, you can add exactly 10 gallons to the tank. That will keep you at 3/4 full and you shouldn't smell fuel ever again.
Eventually, MBZ will be forced to deal with this fuel leak issue and at that point you can finally bring it in for repairs knowing that they will actually solve the problem (at least we all HOPE they will). Until then, you are just going to be wasting money on parts swapping that hasn't been proven to resolve the issue at all.
-G
I have a bumper to bumper 2 year unlimited warranty, small things like fuel sending unit or fuel pipes isn't covered but fuel tanks and all else is covered.
Thanks for your word of advice though I appreciate it
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Viren they should do a smoke test to see where the leak is coming from.
Thats not right that they will fix the fuel sending unit first and test to see if its leaking. Who pays for it if that is not the case?
I don't know the extents of the warranty in Canada but you could always argue that the sending unit and its parts are covered under the emissions warranty which here in the USA is 8 years.
I would contact Transport Canada to see if they have any other vehicle issues similar to this? Shell V Power 91 does not have any ethanol in it.
Thats not right that they will fix the fuel sending unit first and test to see if its leaking. Who pays for it if that is not the case?
I don't know the extents of the warranty in Canada but you could always argue that the sending unit and its parts are covered under the emissions warranty which here in the USA is 8 years.
I would contact Transport Canada to see if they have any other vehicle issues similar to this? Shell V Power 91 does not have any ethanol in it.
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From: Canada
2004 E55 AMG
Viren they should do a smoke test to see where the leak is coming from.
Thats not right that they will fix the fuel sending unit first and test to see if its leaking. Who pays for it if that is not the case?
I don't know the extents of the warranty in Canada but you could always argue that the sending unit and its parts are covered under the emissions warranty which here in the USA is 8 years.
I would contact Transport Canada to see if they have any other vehicle issues similar to this? Shell V Power 91 does not have any ethanol in it.
Thats not right that they will fix the fuel sending unit first and test to see if its leaking. Who pays for it if that is not the case?
I don't know the extents of the warranty in Canada but you could always argue that the sending unit and its parts are covered under the emissions warranty which here in the USA is 8 years.
I would contact Transport Canada to see if they have any other vehicle issues similar to this? Shell V Power 91 does not have any ethanol in it.
The service man told me that we will replace the fuel seal and then re-fuel the tank, he also said that it should most likely fix the problem but there is no guarantees, he said we did check everything else and this was the only place where we found the problem. Only after replacing this we can be 100% sure that this is what caused the smell.
I have my parts and all ordered, also needs a new seat belt buckle but that isn't part of conversation here but I suppose that itself is an easy change too but now Im dropping my car in tomorrow morning hopefully getting it back Thursday that's when I'll exactly found out what's what.
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From: The Granite State
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Get the part numbers from any parts that they supposedly replaced.
My guess is that they replaced the $30 seal and charged you $207 (including labor).... see post #235 above and look for Item #70 in the illustration and parts table I posted.
A simple seal is not a fix. There are plenty of guys who already did that and still have issues.
-G
My guess is that they replaced the $30 seal and charged you $207 (including labor).... see post #235 above and look for Item #70 in the illustration and parts table I posted.
A simple seal is not a fix. There are plenty of guys who already did that and still have issues.
-G
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From: Florida-Germany-New York
2004 E55,1969 300SEL6.3,2011 ML350 BlueTec Diesel,2005 ML400 CDI
Hate to burst your bubble my friend.
But ethanol is now required in Sweden, over 190,000 vehicles now use ethanol
France, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands are now offering e85 and e50 fuels more than ever. However i believe all european countries use a sugarcane based fuel.
I do not think it is mixed in with regular fuels like in the us. And it is availble as an option. Mainly used for public transportation.
I read that Germany has less than 100 gas stations with ethanol available. So thats maybe why you dont see it offered?
But ethanol is now required in Sweden, over 190,000 vehicles now use ethanol
France, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands are now offering e85 and e50 fuels more than ever. However i believe all european countries use a sugarcane based fuel.
I do not think it is mixed in with regular fuels like in the us. And it is availble as an option. Mainly used for public transportation.
I read that Germany has less than 100 gas stations with ethanol available. So thats maybe why you dont see it offered?
Member
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From: Glendale, CA
93' Ultrasonic Blue Mica LS6/T56 RX7 R1 weekend/ 2007 4Runner V8/ 08' prius
What bubble might that be? As we have a summer home in Germany and for the past six years we are there (here) for about six to seven months each year, I can assure you that the fuels I use contain no ethanol. "E Fuels" are, in fact, available at all gas stations, however, I know of no one who would use them unless the vehicle was designed for their use. That said, for the past six years I have only used ARAL 102 RON or Shell V-Power Racing 100 RON, neither of which contain any ethanol whatsoever. So sport, since there are countless W211's in Germany plus the rest of Europe and the fuel leakage problem here is unheard of as far as I can determine; and it would seem that all of the 211's having this problem are using ethanol laced gasoline while my 211 has not; it would seem to me that this is a possibility worthy of consideration. A final note, ethanol problems have been well documented, simply do an online search. While it has been more than 40 years since I was at Cal-Tec and I know very little about chemistry, it might be interesting to take a 211.076 sending unit/fuel pump seal and immerse in in pure ethanol for a few days and see how it is affected. Just a thought.
