Check a VIN

2004 Mercedes Benz E500: wrong fuel gauge reading

7 of the 142 complaints about the 2004 Mercedes Benz E500 describe wrong fuel gauge reading.

owner complaints
7
of this car's complaints
5%
typical mileage
104,700
recalls
0
Is there a fix? 1 service bulletin covers this area of the car. See below

Wrong fuel gauge reading by model year

  • 2006
    1
  • 2005
    4
  • 2004
    7
  • 2003
    4

What owners say

Filed Oct 26, 2014 · Fuel system · 73,836 miles · VA

2004 mercedes benz e500 smells of gasoline both inside and around the vehicle after refueling to the full tank level. It has become necessary to leave the garage door open after fueling in order to ventilate the garage and keep fumes out of the house. The odor gradually decreases when the vehicle is driven 40-50 miles and the fuel level in the tank drops.

Filed Apr 7, 2014 · Fuel system · 94,500 miles · CA

About a year ago I started noticing a strong gas smell after filling my tank. I recently decided to research it and found that this is a widespread and commonly known problem with the e series w211 mercedes cars and a serious design flaw with the fuel sending unit/gas tank. My daughter drives this car now, and I have serious concerns for her inhaling carcinogenic fumes while using it. I would like to know what resolution can be achieved with mb USA concerning this matter. I see that at class action lawsuit was submitted but don't see the outcome. That was in 2012.

Filed Aug 15, 2013 · Fuel system · 113,000 miles · AZ

After filling my car with fuel, I have notice a strong odor of gas fumes in my garage and inside my car. But I don't see any leaks on the floor. After the gas tank drops to 3/4 of a tank, the smell of fumes goes away. This has been going on for several months. Also, the gas gauge isn't accurate. I found out, this is a typical problem with the e class 2003-2008. I believe this is a safety issue and that mercedes should repair it asap. Thanks.

Filed Mar 21, 2013 · Engine, Fuel system · 105,000 miles · TN

After refueling, car had strong odor of fuel leaking. Fills garage with fumes. Worried that pilot light will ignite fumes. Also, fuel gauge sticks on 1/2 tank even when tank is empty.

Filed Sep 19, 2012 · Fuel system · 117,543 miles · VA

There is a strong fuel smell in the vehicle after filling up gas tank. Mercedes benz dealer found the issue associated to left side fuel sending unit, which seem to be a recurrent issue with this model in mercedes. Dealer requires $875.34 to fix the issue. I have contacted mbusa to see if they can help with this repair. In 2008 there was a voluntary recall #2008-020001,on some e and cls class for 03-06 vehicles, however I was told my car VIN is not part of this recall. Web forums of mercedes benz owners are filled with same complaint for all e class models with chassis w211. Please investigate this issue. I understand there is an open the federal safety agency case pe12-001 that may be related to my complaint. Thank you for your prompt attention. This is my second mercedes w211 model vehicle with the same issue.

Filed Sep 13, 2012 · Fuel system · 82,838 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz e-500. The contact stated that while parked, the vehicle emitted the smell of gasoline fuel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed that the fuel sending unit needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileages were 82,838. Updated 10/10/12 *cn the consumer stated that the dealer found gasoline leaking underneath the rear seats and puddling. Updated 10/10/2012

Filed Aug 15, 2012 · Fuel system · 104,700 miles · TX

Noticed a strong gasoline smell in my garage and inside my vehicle. Also noticed that my left rear passenger seat was discolored with dark yellow staining. Check engine light appeared on car and took to local mercedes-benz dealer to check problem and was told that the fuel sending unit had failed and that raw fuel was leaking in passenger compartment causing the gasoline odor and staining to upholstery. Was strongly urged by service advisor at mercedes-benz to replace the sending unit "anytime you're leaking fuel that's a safety issue". Had sending unit replaced as advised and was told to keep windows down to air the car of gasoline fumes. Mercedes- benz attempted to clean upholstery however this was unsuccessful and will likely need to be replaced.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Questions about the 2004 Mercedes Benz E500 fuel gauge

Is wrong fuel gauge reading a common problem on the 2004 Mercedes Benz E500?

7 of 142 owner complaints about the 2004 Mercedes Benz E500 (5%) mention wrong fuel gauge reading. The model year with the most reports is 2004.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2004 Mercedes Benz E500?

There are 0 recalls and 1 service bulletin for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2004 Mercedes Benz E500

Fuel smell 55Fuel leak 22Fuel pump 12Check engine light 8

All model years of the Mercedes Benz E500

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2004 Mercedes Benz E500?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history