There's strong gasoline odor from my vehicle whenever I refuel, particular after it's garaged. The smell seems to go away once I used up 1/3 or 1/2 tank. Recently the smell seems to be stronger. I can smell it even when it's not garaged.
The worst 2004 Mercedes Benz E Class problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Fuel system5
- Transmission3
- Airbags2
- Brakes2
- Electrical2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Fuel system5
- Transmission3
- Airbags2
- Brakes2
- Electrical2
- Acceleration1
- Body1
- Engine1
- Tires1
- Visibility1
Recalls 4
Electrical system
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-benz is recalling my 2006-2008 m-class, r-class, my 2005-2009 slk-class, my 2005-2008 c-class, my 2003-2004 and 2006-2008 clk-class, my 2003-2008 e-class, my 2004 and 2008 cl-class, my 2008 cls-class, my 2004 and 2007-2008 s-class, my 2003 g-class, and my 2003-2004, 2006 and 2009 sl-class vehicles. A software calibration number (scn) coding received on the affected vehicles during a recent workshop visit was incorrect. Depending on the model year and model affected, the results of an incorrect scn coding can affect a number of vehicle safety and emission functions including the following types of functions: (1) the fuel gauge readings may be incorrect; (2) a stuck fuel-level sensor may not be displayed in the instrument cluster; (3) the obd system may cause the check engine light to illuminate incorrectly; and, (4) the speedometer may be out of tolerance.
- Risk
- In the event of a vehicle crash, the electrical fuel pump may not receive a crash signal that is required for the fuel pump to disconnect and prevent future fuel delivery as designed.
- Remedy
- Dealers will recode the scn free of charge. The recall began on august 30, 2008. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1‑800‑367‑6372.
Recall number 08V303000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic
- What is wrong
- On certain vehicles, the sensotronic brake control (sbc) system may prematurely shift to the hydraulic back-up function mode, due to deterioration of the wiring harness connection, or due to premature failure of the hydraulic pump.
- Risk
- In the hydraulic back-up mode, the driver has braking power sufficient to stop the vehicle, although greater brake pedal pressure is required and the brake pedal travel will be noticeably longer.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a bracket and replacement ground wire to the sbc pump unit on all vehicles free of charge. Additionally dealers will inspect and replace the sbc pump unit in sl vehicles produced during a limited production period. The recall began on august 8, 2005. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1‑800‑367‑6372.
Recall number 05V133000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic
- What is wrong
- On certain vehicles, the electronic monitoring system of the sensotronic brake control (sbc) is designed to monitor the pressure gradient within the high pressure line of the brake system. If an unacceptable pressure gradient is detected, the system will switch, as it is designed to do, into the hydraulic function mode.
- Risk
- If vehicles are not routinely serviced and have extremely high mileage combined with a high number of brake actuations, or a high brake actuation frequency, the pump motor of the sbc may run out of permissible tolerances, thereby triggering the hydraulic function mode.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the sbc hydraulic unit, replacing it if necessary. The recall began on october 21m 2004. Owners should contact mercedes-benz at 1‑800‑367‑6372.
Recall number 04V296000 · Recall details
Seat belts
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles, some seat belt buckles may have a burr on a metal component of the locking mechanism. The presence of the burr could prevent the seat belt from locking under certain circumstances.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the seat belts. Owner notification began on december 22, 2003. Owners should contact mercedes-benz at 1‑800‑367‑6372.
Recall number 03V534000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Mercedes Benz E Class 28
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- SENTEX gate operator with Clik Card Remote not compatible with Homelink
- Mercedes: the limited warranty on the sbc hydraulic unit for models 211, model 219 and models 230 was...
- Mercedes-benz: model 211.026, 065, 070, 076, 082, 083, 265, 276, 282, 283 (e-class). VIN A564853 and...
- Mercedes benz: model 211.026, 056, 065, 070, 072, 076, 077, 082, 083, 087, 090, 256, 265, 276, 277, 282,...
- Mercedes benz service campaign: check fuel filter module assembly and repair or replace if necessary
- Inspect transmission pilot bushing at electrochydraulic unit and replace if necessary
- The tirefit hose connector may not screw onto the tire valve with an air tight seal
- Dirt CAN collect in the rear sleeves on the front axle carrier
- The alternator regulator may fail to prevent voltage values ranging beyond the specified tolerance limits
- Implausible or illogical messages CAN appear in the instrument cluster
2004 Mercedes Benz E Class fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6‑cyl | RWD | 17 | 24 | 20 |
| 3.2L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 16 | 22 | 18-19 |
| 5.0L 8‑cyl | RWD | 14 | 22 | 17 |
| 5.0L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 14 | 19-20 | 16 |
| 5.4L 8‑cyl | RWD | 13 | 19 | 15 |
What 2004 Mercedes Benz E Class owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
My e 320 has gas smell in my garage after refueling since june/2012. The smell is getting even stronger for last a few months.
Had to replace the fuel pump now I have to replace the fuel tank. Can not fill my fuel tank if so the fuel smell fills my home because I park in the garage. Took it to my mechanic and was told to watch for flames it could cause serious problems. Please help with this issue.
I came out to my garage one morning to find a my car wreaking of fuel. I decided to drive the car around for a few to see if it the pungent odor would go dissipate altogether. During this time, I took it to my mechanic to let him do a quick once-over before he left for the day. He stated that there was fuel leaking onto my exhaust. Being that he didn't have the tools and whatnot to replace the sending unit, I had it towed to mercedes benz. I was not going to let my girlfriend drive the car to the dealership. No way, no how. Skyland automotive(my local mecedes benz dealership) found a puddle of fuel under my back seat. They replaced the fuel sending unit partially under my third party warranty. I, however, had to pay roughly $500 out of pocket. I have heard of this issue happening on many w211 e class cars, it has happened to some more than once. I'm at 7x,xxx miles now and definitely don't want to have to go through this again. Fuel leaking onto the ground is bad enough, but leaking onto my exhaust isn't to be tolerated. It's downright dangerous. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
After refueling and filling the fuel tank, a strong odor of gasoline emits from the outside of the car and inside the car. After checking online, previous complaints of fuel level sending unit seal failure causing pooling of gasoline around the sending unit next to electrical connectors and directly under the left rear passenger seat. I removed the rear seat and access panel to the sending unit and discovered pooled gasoline around the sending unit. The sending unit appeared tight. I did not notice any cuts or failure to the hose, just around the sending unit itself. My local mercedes dealer claimed there are no recalls for this condition, even though there appear to be many complaints. The dealer also told me I would have to bring my car in to be inspected by a mechanic to truly diagnose the issue.
The SRS, (supplemental restraint system) or "air bag" light illuminated, caused by the srscontrol unit experiencing an internal electrical fault. The fault displayed code 9120. Mercedes vehicles of this year and model are known to have air bag wiring harness issues. Even though my issue wasn't the harness itself, it presents a flaw resulting in a safety and state inspection issue.
Vehicle purchased new in june 2004. Since then the vehicle has been serviced four times within six months of purchase for the same issue - transmission oil leak. Dealership has stated that leak is related to connector (?) not being long enough and has used another non-manufacturing spec'd connector to resolve matter. Vehicle is also leaking engine oil. On last service it was noted that sweat stains were seen and gasket replaced. As of today - engine oil leak evidence can still be seen. Vehicle is in dangerous state since serious malfunction is imminent. Lemon law action will be taken.
Transmission problems, vehicle would not shift out of park position to reverse or drive. *bf the plastic piece attached to the fender was loose and the tire was rubbing the plastic. There was an oil leak which had come from the pan in the engine. *sc when the consumer went to change the tire, he discovered there was no spare tire in the vehicle.
While driving 60 MPH brake sensor light came on. As a result, when consumer attempted to pull over total brake failure occurred.
Mercedes benz e320 2004 - vehicle lurched forward at high rate of speed without operator acceleration. Structural damage to home, great concern for the potential of injury if event occurs again. Vehicle sent to dealership ( mb bloomfield, mi ) for evaluation. Web search finds similar events with same model 2003.
Compare the 2004 Mercedes Benz E Class
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Questions about the 2004 Mercedes Benz E Class
Is the 2004 Mercedes Benz E Class reliable?
Owners have filed 15 complaints about the 2004 Mercedes Benz E Class, 1.5 times a typical E Class model year.
What is the 2004 Mercedes Benz E Class year score?
The 2004 Mercedes Benz E Class scores 56 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mercedes Benz E Class: 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 2004 Mercedes Benz E Class?
Fuel and propulsion system, with 5 complaints. Next is transmission (3).
How many recalls does the 2004 Mercedes Benz E Class have?
4 recalls, covering electrical system, service brakes, hydraulic and seat belts.
What gas mileage does the 2004 Mercedes Benz E Class get?
Official estimates for the 2004 Mercedes Benz E Class range from 15 to 20 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.2L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 17 city and 24 highway.
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