Fuel Smell Outside on Rear Right Hand Side of the Car

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Sep 27, 2019 | 10:11 AM

e55aed

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Joined: Sep 2019

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E55 AMG

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!