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Fuel Smell Outside on Rear Right Hand Side of the Car
Hello all,
So last week, I have finally pulled the trigger and purchased an E55 (117,000km, 2005), a beast that seems too well priced for what it is.
Since buying it, I have noticed one thing:
While the car is fine on shorter drives, a much longer drive (2-3hrs) causes an intense fuel smell to emanate from the real-right hand side of the car (on the exterior). Checked the fuel filler cap, and it is well pressurized hence it looks sealed. Once I come back to sit in the car the next morning, I can smell fuel inside.
I've heard about the fuel leak issues, and since my car is a Japanese import, and I do not live in the States, I don't think this is highly doable from my, I cannot get this fixed at the dealer for free (official dealer asked me for ~$4,000; LOL).
I have attached pictures of what the fuel pump and filter look like when I lifted the seat, and I suspect the leak is coming from the fuel pump. I've been quoted ~$100 in labor and ~$500 for parts (pump, filter, and seals) from a 3rd party MB authorised garage.
My question is: Do you think it makes sense to:
1. Replace only the pump where I see traces of fluids (picture attached)
2. Replace the filter and the pump (more costly, however more comprehensive fix. Is it worth it or not, considering we are not changing fuel tank
3. Replace the fuel tank, pump AS WELL as the fuel tank (an extra ~1,000 here)
Thanks! RHS: fuel pump LHS: Fuel Filter Fuel pump (see yellowish traces which is where the fuel is gathering after long drives. Doesn't explain why it comes outside of inside first though Fuel filter (correct me if I'm wrong and mixed up with previous pic)
Pumps, filter/regulator, gaskets, relay will cost close to USD $1000. Labor is your own and takes an hour or so. If you do the pumps, do the filter since a clogged filter will burn out the pumps. While you are at it, replace the fuel pump relay. Later versions of the pumps use different connectors for the fuel lines in the tank. Tie a length of paracord around the ends of the fuel lines after disconnecting from the pumps; when you remove the filter/regulator the paracord pulls out of the tank; you then tie the paracord around the new filter/regulator's fuel lines and pull the lines back over the saddle of the fuel tank so you can connect them to the new fuel pumps.
Pumps, filter/regulator, gaskets, relay will cost close to USD $1000. Labor is your own and takes an hour or so. If you do the pumps, do the filter since a clogged filter will burn out the pumps. While you are at it, replace the fuel pump relay. Later versions of the pumps use different connectors for the fuel lines in the tank. Tie a length of paracord around the ends of the fuel lines after disconnecting from the pumps; when you remove the filter/regulator the paracord pulls out of the tank; you then tie the paracord around the new filter/regulator's fuel lines and pull the lines back over the saddle of the fuel tank so you can connect them to the new fuel pumps.
Well, I have the same exact issue as you described, even though I have the fuel pump and filter changed, it still exists.
So I believe as long as fuel pump/filter are not leaking, and the fuel pressure is good, don't change it.
Edit:
Just noticed the yellowish color around your fuel pump, It looks like yours is leaking, you have to change the filter and the fuel pump and get the adapter as mentioned above.
Well, I have the same exact issue as you described, even though I have the fuel pump and filter changed, it still exists.
So I believe as long as fuel pump/filter are not leaking, and the fuel pressure is good, don't change it.
Edit:
Just noticed the yellowish color around your fuel pump, It looks like yours is leaking, you have to change the filter and the fuel pump and get the adapter as mentioned above.
I see. That's good to know. I guess the question then is, does that yellowish color mean that fuel is leaking for sure? Not sure how fuel interacts with the plastics around the fuel pump or if it is something else?
I just don't want to make the costly fix and realise the issue still persists, as that would be a real downer...
Do you have any idea on what you plan to do next to help fix the issue?
I see. That's good to know. I guess the question then is, does that yellowish color mean that fuel is leaking for sure? Not sure how fuel interacts with the plastics around the fuel pump or if it is something else?
I just don't want to make the costly fix and realise the issue still persists, as that would be a real downer...
Do you have any idea on what you plan to do next to help fix the issue?
I believe Yellowish means that it is leaking, I think you can fill the tank full, and check it next day, there should be gas puddle there.
You have to change the fuel pump and filter together, that probably won't solve the smell issue you have described, unfortunately. Some friends suggested to change the fuel tank as well to fix it, but I'm not sure.
Atm, I just got used to it, as it is less apparent in winter.
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Fuel Smell Outside on Rear Right Hand Side of the Car
