Heads up for guys who drive around with leaking fuel sending units
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 288
Likes: 2
From: FL
CLS55
Heads up for guys who drive around with leaking fuel sending units
I had a leaky driver's side fuel sending unit in my CLS. I chose not to repair it because I already replaced my passenger side unit last year and figured I'd be ok if I never filled up past 3/4 tank. Well, today on the way to work my car shut off. Left me stranded on the highway. Turns out that my car ran out of gas. My fuel gauge was showing a 1/4 tank. The level on the passenger side unit somehow stuck on 1/4 tank even though the tank was bone dry. Those pumps are not something to mess with. $1500 later they are replaced with new OEM pumps. I filed a safety claim a few months ago but never heard anything. I guess this is just part of the deal with these cars.
My tech (who is a master MB tech) told me leaving one faulty pump will prematurely wear out the other side. I didn't believe him at first. Shame on me, I learned the hard way.
My tech (who is a master MB tech) told me leaving one faulty pump will prematurely wear out the other side. I didn't believe him at first. Shame on me, I learned the hard way.
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Joined: Nov 2005
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none
I had a leaky driver's side fuel sending unit in my CLS. I chose not to repair it because I already replaced my passenger side unit last year and figured I'd be ok if I never filled up past 3/4 tank. Well, today on the way to work my car shut off. Left me stranded on the highway. Turns out that my car ran out of gas. My fuel gauge was showing a 1/4 tank. The level on the passenger side unit somehow stuck on 1/4 tank even though the tank was bone dry. Those pumps are not something to mess with. $1500 later they are replaced with new OEM pumps. I filed a safety claim a few months ago but never heard anything. I guess this is just part of the deal with these cars.
My tech (who is a master MB tech) told me leaving one faulty pump will prematurely wear out the other side. I didn't believe him at first. Shame on me, I learned the hard way.
My tech (who is a master MB tech) told me leaving one faulty pump will prematurely wear out the other side. I didn't believe him at first. Shame on me, I learned the hard way.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 288
Likes: 2
From: FL
CLS55
I dont blame the car. Fuel pumps are a wear and tear item for the 55k. 60k miles is the replace date according to MB. I was trying to be cheap and put a bandaid on the problem. My guy gave me a 3 year warranty on the parts.
If I wanted a zero maintenance car, I would have bought a Lexus like my wife's.
If I wanted a zero maintenance car, I would have bought a Lexus like my wife's.
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,835
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From: The Granite State
.
The fuel pump IS a maintenance item, and with most cars on this forum well over 60K miles now, almost NOBODY still has an original factory-installed fuel pump/sender anymore.... or if they do, it's because somebody decided to ignore the recommended service intervals.
Mercedes-Benz can therefore blame almost EVERY failure on a bad installation of the replacement part, and never accept blame for the issue. I think they know darn well that the longer they delay, the easier it will be to refuse a recall or any other expensive "good will" repairs.
When the time comes, replace the DS fuel pump/sender with the lousy factory part.... flood the top of the pump with epoxy (like ForrestGump did) and that's probably the best you're ever going to do....
Keep in mind, pumps DO fail eventually and with everyone trying so hard for massive RWHP numbers these days it's more important than ever to replace the pumps at least as frequently as AMG reccommends (and possibly more often) a failed or failing pump is not going to put out enough flow to support WOT, and a lean engine is a blown engine.
-G
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 929
Likes: 3
From: Littleton, CO
2005 E55 silver
I am afraid my 05' has a "stuck" float. It doesn't seem to go below 1/4...I am trying to figure out if the float is obvious on the fuel pump so I can pull it out and move it around before going and dropping $$ for a new fuel pump. Anyone know if its on the fuel pump (passenger side)? 
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 288
Likes: 2
From: FL
CLS55
I am afraid my 05' has a "stuck" float. It doesn't seem to go below 1/4...I am trying to figure out if the float is obvious on the fuel pump so I can pull it out and move it around before going and dropping $$ for a new fuel pump. Anyone know if its on the fuel pump (passenger side)?
This is what caused me to run out of gas this morning. The float got stuck at 1/4 tank and it caused me to run dry. I called a few MB parts guys and they all said the float is not a separate replacement item. You have to replace the entire fuel pump assembly. I don't know if that is 100% accurate but in my case the sending unit was cracked on top as well so I didn't have a choice nor cared to do any further research. I needed my car running asap.
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Joined: Oct 2012
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From: L.I. NY
2011 CTSV auto, 06 E55 white pano, 87 Grand national, 63 split window
So MOOSE?: I guess you sold your car and all you do now is reply to threads showing that hula hoop girl previously... that mesmerized me everytime...and now you have this other pic that really throws off my whole game on this forum! I come on here to say hello or gain some more knowledge as to modding and when you have replied to something...I see that pic...and it all goes out the window! All I wanna do is get my girlfriend over here or hit the **** site!!! Thanks pal! 
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: OHIO
2005 E55 AMG / 2008 GL550
I had a leaky driver's side fuel sending unit in my CLS. I chose not to repair it because I already replaced my passenger side unit last year and figured I'd be ok if I never filled up past 3/4 tank. Well, today on the way to work my car shut off. Left me stranded on the highway. Turns out that my car ran out of gas. My fuel gauge was showing a 1/4 tank. The level on the passenger side unit somehow stuck on 1/4 tank even though the tank was bone dry. Those pumps are not something to mess with. $1500 later they are replaced with new OEM pumps. I filed a safety claim a few months ago but never heard anything. I guess this is just part of the deal with these cars.
My tech (who is a master MB tech) told me leaving one faulty pump will prematurely wear out the other side. I didn't believe him at first. Shame on me, I learned the hard way.
My tech (who is a master MB tech) told me leaving one faulty pump will prematurely wear out the other side. I didn't believe him at first. Shame on me, I learned the hard way.
My car doesn't have the fuel smell at all but it seems like I run out of gas. I let the car sit for about 30 mins & it starts back up no problem. It was a 90 degree day today and the car shut down back to back after 4 or 5 miles intervals.
Is this the same problem as you? I'm not throwing any codes either. Don't wanna be stuck with someone telling me to change the units if I dont have to.
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,759
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From: NH
2012 C63 BS & 2014 E63 Estate & 2008 CLK63 BS
My car doesn't have the fuel smell at all but it seems like I run out of gas. I let the car sit for about 30 mins & it starts back up no problem. It was a 90 degree day today and the car shut down back to back after 4 or 5 miles intervals.
Is this the same problem as you? I'm not throwing any codes either. Don't wanna be stuck with someone telling me to change the units if I dont have to.
Is this the same problem as you? I'm not throwing any codes either. Don't wanna be stuck with someone telling me to change the units if I dont have to.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: OHIO
2005 E55 AMG / 2008 GL550
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,212
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From: Chicago
03 E55 AMG, 06 Harley Road King Custom 06 Ram 2500 Cummins, 97 Firebird Race Car, 88 Cutlass Supreme
Like that sounds like it could very well be a dying fuel pump. As another member said, a dying pump means going lean, and going lean can mean a blown engine if you get into boost. I'd get a fuel pressure gauge on it before beating on the car any more. Make sure you're able to monitor the pressure while doing a nice long wide open throttle pull. Shut down immediately if pressure starts dropping.
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Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Texas
C63 507 AMG DA Car #19
With the rather large group of e55 mod cars around I don't understand why an aftermarket co has not offered a solid sump racing fuel cell replacement for these cars.
For the price of the marginal mb replacement one should be able to buy a custom am unit with better pumps access etc and be done with it.
For the price of the marginal mb replacement one should be able to buy a custom am unit with better pumps access etc and be done with it.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,835
Likes: 12
From: The Granite State
.
With the rather large group of e55 mod cars around I don't understand why an aftermarket co has not offered a solid sump racing fuel cell replacement for these cars.
For the price of the marginal mb replacement one should be able to buy a custom am unit with better pumps access etc and be done with it.
For the price of the marginal mb replacement one should be able to buy a custom am unit with better pumps access etc and be done with it.
There's no money left in this market.
The ballers have all moved to the newer AMG platforms...it seems like these days the typical E55 buyer wants $100 tunes, and $300 header kits..... There's simply no appetite for a $1500+ fuel system upgrade.
-G
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Joined: Mar 2011
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E55, SL63, ML550
The fuel pump (2)is located on the passenger side. The drivers side is a sender unit, both sides utilize level senders. The second fuel pump on pass side only activates after 5 sec of wot, and ensures that the splash bowl stays full.
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 123
Likes: 1
From: Alameda, CA
'04 E55 AMG
Ive had my local mercedes dealer tell me about this. It was a recall a few years ago, i took mine in only a couple years ago. It took all day, but they were cool enough to give me a courtesy c250 to drive all day, i didnt mind at all. This is a pretty dangerous recall, everyone should check with their local dealers, just call them and tell give them the car serial # and they will check if your car is a part of the recall.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 929
Likes: 3
From: Littleton, CO
2005 E55 silver
Ive had my local mercedes dealer tell me about this. It was a recall a few years ago, i took mine in only a couple years ago. It took all day, but they were cool enough to give me a courtesy c250 to drive all day, i didnt mind at all. This is a pretty dangerous recall, everyone should check with their local dealers, just call them and tell give them the car serial # and they will check if your car is a part of the recall.
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,429
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From: Cypress, TX
'06 E55, '15 Jeep SRT8, '94 Mustang GT
I just turned 61k miles and haven't had a single fuel issue. I know I need to replace the pumps soon, but I'm afraid to create a problem that was never there. lol
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 123
Likes: 1
From: Alameda, CA
'04 E55 AMG
Mine was like that too. Originally it was gonna be a 3 hour max job but they found other problems witht the fuel module and completely replaced it, free of charge. So maybe you will have to do the same. Smelling leaked gasoline while driving would freak me out, like I'll explode or something. Lol
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,558
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From: Sacramento, CA
Ducati
As these pumps age, they start to draw more power. This causes the relay to get hotter, eventually to the point where it will cause the socket to deform/make intermittent contact.
My 03 did this when it was hot outside. After swapping the relay and socket, all was cured.
Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 129
Likes: 20
From: Houston, TX
Mercedes-Benz AMG E63 & ML350 Bluetec
I would have to add that mine also went out at right around 55,000 miles....I wish I had a warning on one or both fuel pumps as one decided to start being a pain while I was on the track at Road Atlanta with a whole bunch of C6 ZO6's. I'd fill up their mirrors in the back straight and then the car would just run out of fuel pressure. I tried hobbling it back to Houston (via Tail of the Dragon) only to have the one poor fuel pump finally give up the ghost on this very awesome road. Had to wait two hours for a tow truck from the closest dealer! If you have a low-mileage example, you might want to address this issue before you go anywhere fun. Darn Vettes, I'll get you next time.
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,212
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From: Chicago
03 E55 AMG, 06 Harley Road King Custom 06 Ram 2500 Cummins, 97 Firebird Race Car, 88 Cutlass Supreme
The filter is not independently replaceable. You have to do the entire sending unit with the pump for I believe around $600. I'm at 58K miles on my 03 and want to do a pump as preventative maintenance but I don't have a leaking tank and with all the horror stories floating around I;m scared to touch the thing till NHTSA is done with their investigation. I'm expecting/hoping for a recall with new sending units paid for by MBUSA.
