The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he smelled an abnormal gasoline odor inside of the vehicle. After a visual inspection of the rear seats, the contact observed gasoline pooling underneath the rear seats. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to TSB: 2008-020001. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
The worst 2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Fuel system63
- Brakes3
- Electrical3
- Engine3
- Transmission2
- Airbags1
- Seats1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55
Recalls 3
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.
- Risk
- A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. This recall is an expansion of previous the federal safety agency recall number 22V‑954. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024120001/2/3.
Recall number 24V874000 · Recall details
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.
- Risk
- A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. This recall expands the federal safety agency recall number 19V‑918. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010004, 2023010005, and 2023010006.
Recall number 22V954000 · Recall details
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle. For a full list of the affected models visit:
- Risk
- A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020040011.
Recall number 19V918000 · Recall details
See all 3 recalls for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55
Defect investigations
Fuel Leakage From The Fuel Tank
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation on January 23, 2012 as PE12-001 based on 20 consumer reports in model year (MY) 2003-2006 E55 AMG vehicles.Based on new reports in other E-Class vehicles, ODI upgraded the investigation to Engineering Analysis (EA) 13-003 on March 15, 2013, and expanded the scope to all E-Class vehicles through MY 2008.The complainants alleged a strong odor of gasoline fuel both inside and outside of their vehicle, particularly after refilling the fuel tank.Many of the complainants noted that the odor subsided or went away after driving some distance thereby lowering the fuel level in the tank.Other owners reported they would only fill the tank to about three quarters full to avoid the odor altogether.Some complainants alleged fuel leaked from the fuel filter/sender, located on the top of the fuel tank on the driver's side, and collected on top of the tank.There were also allegations that the fuel leaks were associated with an Emissions Recall Campaign (No. 2008020001) conducted by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes) in 2008 on MY 2003-2006 E-Class and CLS-Class AMG models.The issue in the recall involved small cracks in the pressurized outlet fitting of the fuel filter/sender.AMG vehicles are high performance models that operate at higher fuel pressure and use a different fuel filter/sender and fuel pump than non-AMG models.Information on Recall No. 2008020001 is available from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website at www.EPA.gov.ODI's investigation found various leak sources that are unrelated to the outlet fitting cited in the EPA recall campaign.Through interviews with complainants, field inspections of complaint vehicles, and the collection and laboratory analysis of failed parts, three identifiable leak sources were found.The component parts and areas of the leaks involve the On-Board Diagnostic fuel tank pressure sensor (located on top of the fuel filter/sender), the outlet of the centrally mounted fuel tank fuel filling limiter valve, and the top of the fuel pump. These areas of leakage are located at the top of the fuel tank in unpressurized parts of the fuel system. When the tank is full, fuel can slowly weep/seep from micro-cracks in these components and may collect in cavities on top of the filter/sender, pump, or tank.Contrary to complainant's allegations that fuel entered the inside of their vehicle under the rear seat bench, neither ODI nor Mercedes found a plausible way for this to occur.The fuel tank is located outside of the passenger compartment, attached to the underside of the vehicle.The service access ports for the fuel filter/sender (driver's side) and fuel pump (passenger's side) are located under the rear seat bench, covered by a steel plate, sealed and bolted to the vehicle floor.When technicians service the fuel filter/sender, which has a regularly scheduled 60,000 mile service interval, and/or the fuel pump, the work is performed from inside the vehicle by working through the access ports.By letter dated September 4, 2014, Mercedes has notified the agency that it will extend the original warranty coverage to 15 years and unlimited mileage on Covered Fuel Tank Components in E-Class vehicles in MY 2003-2009 and CLS-Class vehicles in MY 2006-2011.The covered fuel tank components for the warranty extension include the fuel tank, fuel filter/sender, fuel pump, and all related gaskets/seals and retention rings.ODI is closing this investigation based on the manufacturer's extend warranty of the affected fuel system components and in consideration that the nature of the leaks does not appear to present an un
EA13003
Fuel System (Tank/Sender) Leakage
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 20 consumer reports.All of the vehicles were E55 AMG models and the complainants alleged fuel leaks or a strong odor of gasoline both inside and outside of their vehicle, particularly after refueling.Some complainants alleged that the leaks may be related to a 2008 Mercedes Benz emission recall (Campaign No. 2008020001) on the fuel filter module. This recall pertained to model years 2003-2006 E and CLS AMG models only.These AMG models use a different fuel pump and fuel filter module than the non-AMG E-class, however, they share other fuel system components, including the fuel tank.Since opening the investigation ODI has received an additional 350 reports relevant to this investigation.Of those reports, 116 reports are on the E55 AMG model.The remaining 234 reports are on other E-class models (i.e., E320, E350, E500, E550 and E63) which are now included in the scope of EA13-003.The investigation has been upgraded to Engineering Analysis, EA13-003, for further study.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/Searchreference under the identification (ODI) numbers cited on the following page.
PE12001
Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 63
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is...
- Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors
- Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end)
- There are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: A: Wiper...
- Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
- Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end)
- Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
- Headlamps leaking or fogged
- During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or...
- Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end)
What 2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The Alternator died after just over two years from being replaced by Mercedes part and labor causing a loss of electrical power and a loss of brake in the car.
While the vehicle was on the highway on a long road trip, there was an increasingly large rattle when the vehicle was under load. Eventually the rattle stopped. Then when I tried to fill up the car with gas, it leaked everywhere causing a massive fire hazard. While this was put under extended warranty for 15 years by mercedes benz, a 2003 model is out of warranty by 3 years. This is completely unacceptable as it left me stranded in rural montana on a road trip (I'm from wa) and posed a massive fire hazard in the blazing heat of summer. I had to tow it back on a uhaul to prevent further damage to the car or a potential fire. Even the mechanics at a near-ish (200 miles away from the montana highway I broke down on) were hesitant to even move the car due to fire hazard. This issue should have been recalled for safety reasons or been given a much longer extended warranty. In addition to the shake, now the brakes will not let go when I try put the car in neutral. This would normally be a separate issue, but if it creates a spark next to the fuel issue, it could mean that the car is quite literally a bomb if driven. The whole interior smells like fuel as well. Mercedes seems to admit there is a problem by complying with a class action lawsuit against the fuel tank and adding the warranty but refuses to do a recall or longer extended warranty due to greed. This can cause dangerous situations like my own and even worse ones where the fuel may ignite in the future.
My vehicle is currently experiencing an SRS warning light that the dealership, mercedes benz of south bay, diagnosed as being a passenger seat weight sensor failure. They advised that this is a common failure on these models, which upon searching the internet I believe is the case, and quoted me over $4,000 for the repair. This failure turns off the passenger airbag unless the repair is performed. My understanding, having previously working for another oem for 15 years, was that airbags and their associated parts should last the life of the vehicle. It appears that this failure is so common worldwide that aftermarket companies sell "emulator" kits that turn off the light and make the airbag functional for approximately $100. I believe this is a design failure of a crucial safety component and should replaced by the manufacturer at no cost to consumers.
What should have been a classified as a total recall turned into an extended warranty, and as a result I have lost $1700. After a battle with the federal safety agency, back in 2015 mercedes settled to do a retroactive extended warranty on certain 2003-2011 vehicles due to how many problems and safety concerns there were with the fuel system. Unknown to me, not receiving any letters about the issue since purchase, my car was out of the warranty period by 3 months when I got a check engine light. I had the check engine light read by a reputable gas-station shop, and they found an evap leak. This was no normal hose leak/gas cap open evap leak. They ended up finding a massive leak at the top fuel pump! There was actually dark plastic/signs of high-heat inside the gas tank (on the pump). Fire hazard?!? I had the car towed to mercedes of wilmington for a second evaluation because it was a time bomb. I was quoted $2100 to fix the issue for a new fuel pump and fuel sender. I fought with mbusa to get it covered for two weeks, but my car, after 15 years, was out of the warranty period! They wouldnt even drop the cost down to $2000 even when I asked for some sort of good will if I got the work done. I needed my car so I had the car taken to the most reputable private benz shop in delaware - "euro tech". I purchased an fcpeuro fuel pump kit and had them install it for less than the dealer wanted. This should be a total recall and people on the biggest mb-fan website, mbworld.com, are still posting week after week with fuel pump horrors! This is well documented already by you guys. I am also sending this email to mbusa. If I don't hear back from mbusa I will be seeking legal advice. I have spent $100 at shop #1, $100 at the mb dealer to tell me 'no', $1050 in parts, and $450 in labor, for something that should be a recall.
Fuel tank assembly recall
I just purchased a used 2003 mercedes-benz e55 amg. Upon driving it home from the state where I purchased it, I smelled a strong fuel smell. This is strong inside the cabin and also outside the cabin, to the point that others around the car noted the fuel smell. I can smell it while driving and when the car is stationary. A google search indicated that there was an investigation into this years ago and mbusa offered an extended warranty of an additional 5 years beyond the initial 10 years in lieu of having a court require a full recall. After, further investigation on my part, I learned that it is not a matter of if but when this will happen to your w211 vehicle. I called my local mercedes-benz dealer and they told me that the extended warranty for the fuel system on my car ended last year. I do not know why the previous owner(s) did not take care of this problem. Maybe they did not know about the extended warranty. This should have been a full recall! This is a health and safety hazard. I have asthma and I am now afraid to drive this car due to the potential health risk involved. Mbusa should not have been able to wiggle out of fault on a very poorly designed fuel system by offering the extended warranty that only gave owners a few years to learn about it and also get the work done.the extended warranty was finally offered by mbusa in 2015, only giving the previous owner of my car a few years to learn about the warranty and get the work done. Not to mention that my car went through several owners during that time frame. Meaning that the owners did not own the car long enough to discover the issue and find out about the extended warranty. There is a good chance these owners never received a letter from mbusa about the extended warranty. As a matter of fact, my car was actually in italy when the extended warranty was issued. It was later brought back to the us.
Strong fuel smell after fill up. Fuel leaking on to top of tank and vapors entering cabin
Takata recall, also having problem with fuel cap and evacuation system.
During initial warmup of vehicle (generally soaked at ambient temperatures 60f and below) a short term (5-8 seconds) unstable idle occurs 20-30 seconds after initial engine start and while in a forward drive gear. This unstable idle generates torque variations that will overcome a brake apply and incur vehicle movement. The brake apply is a level which would keep the vehicle stopped on level ground to counter act normal creep torque. Applying the brake heavier will prevent the vehicle from moving.
Compare the 2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55
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Questions about the 2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55
Is the 2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 reliable?
Owners have filed 70 complaints about the 2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55, fewer than a typical AMG E55 model year.
What is the 2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 year score?
The 2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 scores 82 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mercedes-Benz AMG E55: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55?
Fuel and propulsion system, with 63 complaints, typically around 70,000 miles. Next is brakes (3).
How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 have?
3 recalls, covering visibility.
What year does the Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 have the most fuel system problems?
The Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 model years with the most fuel system complaints are 2005 (130 complaints), 2004 (106 complaints) and 2003 (63 complaints).
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