2003 Mercedes Benz E Class: gas smell in the cabin

Filed Apr 29, 2014 · Fuel system · 80,000 miles · AZ

My whole garage smells like gasoline whenever we fill up the gas tank. The smell will remain until we drive the car for a few days, consuming perhaps 1/4 of the tank. This has been on-going only for the last year.

Filed Oct 31, 2013 · Fuel system · 53,000 miles · AZ

Strong odor of gasoline evident after fill up. This coincided with accuracy issues of the fuel gauge, where vehicle now runs out of gas when gauge indicates 1/4 tank. The strong smell of gas happens now repeatedly with every fill up, which seems to indicate some form of leakage at or near the top of the tank.

Filed Jul 30, 2012 · Fuel system · 103,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes e class. The contact stated that a fuel odor was present inside of the vehicle and the fuel tank was leaking. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The dealer was notified and stated that they were unaware of this type of failure. The dealer also stated that there were no recalls addressing the failure. The manufacturer was notified and repeated the dealer's sentiments. The failure and current mileages were 103,000.

Filed Oct 29, 2011 · Fuel system · 107,000 miles · TX

Very strong gas fumes when gas tank is full. Fumes completely permeate my two car garage and also enter passenger compartment. The fumes disappear when tank level reaches 7/8 full. There are several postings on different websites on the web regarding strong gas odor when the tank is full on e model mercedes years 2003 to 2006. This is a serious issue with potential for explosively and/or fire. I contacted mercedes requesting the issuance of a service recalled based on the apparent high incidence. The company does not seem interested in taking any action.

Filed Oct 28, 2011 · Fuel system · 57,000 miles · TX

The car has a very strong gasoline odor when the fuel tank is full. The gasoline odor permeates the cabin and, when parked in an enclosed garage, causes a high concentration of gas fumes that overwhelms a three car garage as well as the 1000 square feet located above the garage (even with all adjoining doors closed). Should the gasoline concentration reach the proper level, it may create a fire or explosion hazard. Once the tank is 1/8 empty, the fuel odor goes away and does not return until the gas tank is once again full. Had auto checked by the local mercedes dealer and they stated problem could not be located but I needed to replace entire fuel tank assembly to resolve issue. Took car to independent mechanic who found signs of gasoline leakage coming from the top of the tank and running down the driver's side of the tank. Based on research conducted on the web, it appears this is a recurring problem with e class mercedes years 2003 to 2006. The postings found on several mercedes benz owner sites indicates the problem has been detected since the cars were new. A personal friend, with the same year and model, has exactly the same problem. The prevalence of the issue indicates a design/ engineering failure that results in gasoline leaking from 'somewhere' in the fuel system in the vicinity of the fuel tank. I request an investigation into this issue with the objective of ordering a recall to address an obvious underdesign fuel system component.