One day in July, 2009, I filled my 2006, Mercedes, C350, Sport with fuel. After filling and parking in my garage, I noticed the very strong odor of gasoline emitting from the interior (back seat). At the time, I did not think too much of it as I figured I must have spilled some fuel somehow while filling at the service station.

Several hours later, I entered my garage and the fumes from the gasoline was much stronger. So much so that I open my garage doors and turned on fans to "air out" the garage so an explosion did not occur. Moments later, I entered my vehicle and nearly became sick due to the fumes from the gasoline. I checked my back seat as best I could and noticed the smell was definitely coming from under the seat. Due to the extreme danger, I drove my car to the local Mercedes dealer and explained the problem. A service manager there said he was well aware of the issue and said gaskets on top of the tank (under the back seat) were bad and needed repair. He said the cost would be somewhere in the $500 range. The service manager also explained that it is a common problem with my model vehicle and several others.

I explained to the manager at the time that my car only had 38,000 miles on it and due to that fact, it was ridiculous that I should have to pay to fix an obvious manufactuer defect that creates such a safety and health hazard. He said my car was not under warranty and if I did not wish to pay the approximate $500, then I could help cut down on the fumes by only filling my tank to only 3/4 so the seals would not become soaked with fuel.

Well, I chose not to give that dealer a dime. This problem should not have occurred and I should not have to worry about it on a daily basis as I do today. I attempt to fill my car to the 3/4 range, however, the problem still occurs due to the gasoline sloshing aroud when I drive.

Today, with my car being 10 years old now, has 79,000 miles on it and is in wonderful condition (except for the fuel problem).

Has anyone with the same issue been able to resolve the issue without having to fork out so much money in repairs? Thank you in advance for your help.