AgSilver

I found a 2005 E55 Wagon with 22K miles. The car has been sitting in a garage for more than 4 years. After installing a new battery the Airmatic pumped up, but no way would it start and it was obvious the pumps were not operating.

So after 4+ years of sitting in 10% ethanol 93 octane gasoline stew with obvious phase separation, here is the result:





The insulation on the wires is totally gone.



The interconnecting hoses are so brittle that they shatter like glass to the touch.



The photos speak for themselves.

I'm guessing the injectors, rail and lines are all corroded.

Other than that the car looks as if it just came of the showroom floor.

BC928

This is like saying that going to the bottom of the ocean will kill you with hypothermia.

That's not what will kill you.... First.

Gas sitting in a tank is gas sitting in a tank. That 10% E is not the culprit here.

Dublinoh

So what do you believe caused this if not fuel breakdown?

AgSilver

Interesting metaphor and yes, ethanol itself is not particularly corrosive. When the oil companies first started blending ethanol in gas, it corroded some rubber and plastic gaskets on some cars and equipment. Manufacturers figured it out and substituted new materials.

However, ethanol attracts water. When the two combine, they create the perfect environment to grow a type of bacteria called acetobacter. The acetobacter poop out acetic acid and acetic acid is very corrosive.

The EPA may have it’s way soon and bump up the ethanol content of gasoline to 15 percent.

My 2004 is stored 7-8 months each year with ethanol-free gasoline. FWIW, here are the pumps at 65K and were still working perfectly when replaced.

kponti

While your explanation makes sense, there is a part that my basic chemistry does not find palatable....the idea that an acid corrodes plastic....that is not an accurate statement

AgSilver

Well, I am no Walter White, but in my 55 years of playing with automobiles, I have seen plenty of cars that were parked for years with old gasoline, but I have never seen anything like this. Whether it's bug doodoo or just ethanol, the metamorphosis of the plastic seals, hoses and fuel level floats is undeniable.

Exotic-metal55

Great pictures! The greenish color on the copper wires almost looks like it was exposed to some water/air and or electrolysis.

You may want to replace all the fuel lines, clean out fuel rail , check injectors in addition to cleaning the tank.

Dublinoh

Could an octane booster (with benzene and other solvents in it) explain this? Seems you wouldn't really know what was in the tank. Maybe Race fuel?

AgSilver

As I said, I have never seen anything like this before. All wire insulation is gone without a trace. We have the tank dried out and vacuumed up all the debris. The plan is to put about 5 gallons of gas in with a 20oz bottle of Techron concentrate and bleed about 1/2 gal out of the rail and ten let it sit for a day. Then bleed the rail once more. If it doesn't look too bad we'll try to start it and see what codes it throws. If there are any problems we'll just replace the rail and injectors. Far less labor intensive that way. I really want to purchase this wagon.

Not a chance. This is a absolutely a virgin E55 which, due to unusual circumstances, has been sitting in a garage for 4+ years and was rarely driven prior to being parked. Only 22K miles on the clock.

JoeNobody

Because of our ethanol laced gas our North American W211's got these horrible plastic gas tanks that deform and leak.


Have that car towed to Mercedes dealer and they can deal with replacing the tank and pumps. Maybe you can get them to replace injectors or anything else fuel related that is damaged (extended warranty is for fuel system)

BC928

What does every other country get? Metal tanks? The plastic tank is lined with what looks like teflon. They knew what they were doing, in that particular case. I do not currently believe any other countries got anything other than plastic tanks.

"Ethanol laced" - Instead of "MBTE laced"? Or "Lead Laced"? I will take ethanol.

AgSilver

It's not my car - - - yet. But, your idea definitely has merit. Trying to work out an agreed price with the owner who wants to buy a new SL. Original sticker price was $118K. I'm trying to get it in the area of $15K.

AgSilver

MBTE is bad stuff and I'm sorry to say it is widely used in Europe and in Germany where I get ARAL 102 RON (96 PON). That said, the Beast loves it.

Hammer Down

If you can get it for that price it's a good deal but I wouldn't let it go for a penny under $20K with those miles.