2003 Mercedes Benz E500 fuel system complaints

Filed Oct 31, 2011 · Fuel system · 40,000 miles · AZ

Strong smell of gasoline every time I fill up and until I drive about 50 miles. I was told by a german auto repair shop that it is a cracked gas tank and that this is a systemic problem with mercedes e-class models from 2003-2005. The smell appears to be emanating from the rear passenger driver's side. I have also been told there was a recall for this exact issue in europe and asia but that mercedes never issued a recall in the us for this issue despite being extremely pervasive. I drive my children in this car and I am increasingly concerned about this dangerous situation. The repair price I was quoted was about $2400. This seems like it should be a mercedes problem, not a consumer problem. Nobody should expect their gas tank to crack at any point!