gas meter
 

This problem may set a code in the vehicle computer. If so, dealer can read code using Star computer.

I use Costco gas mostly, my gas gauge would not alway register full after filling tank. Never mention this to dealer. At Service B, dealer read code and repaced sending unit, I believe inside tank. Told me problem is due to additives added to gasoline in USA.

No problem since replacement, however, I understand the replacement part has not changed.

I had a similar, but not an exact experience with Costco gas.

After a few Costco fillups about a year ago, my gauge would fluctuate wildly at times -- usually right around the halfway mark.

I immediately switched to Shell premium (93 octane) and the problem instantly went away.

What you are experiencing is no coincidence.

Not about Costco gas, but same subject...

I was at an MB dealer last month, and had a chat with 2 fellow customers on what brands of gas they use, as I have heard that MB fuel gauges are sensitive to 'dirty gas'. Interestingly, both of them told me to avoid Shell & Chevron, but to try Petrol Canada which has worked out fine on their MBs.

Tonight researching more on the internet, I was led to a class action claim form on Shell Canada's website:

http://www.shell.ca/code/help/faq/claim_form.pdf

Apparently there once were some cases of bad fuel sensors / fuel pumps attributed to Shell's gas? I noted that, while the claim form itself appears recent (deadline for submission to Shell is May 7, 2004), it is for customers who purchased Shell gas way back -- Mar 1, 2001 to Jul 31, 2002. So it seems the problem has long been corrected.

I seldom buy from Shell, and have been using Chevron for many years, without problem. But then most of my previous vehicles were not MBs. Now with a new MB just purchased, I just may switch over to PetrolCan to see how that works.

Anybody else has these kinds of stories to share?

The only "difference" I notice about Costco stations is that their pumps seem to be delivering fuel a lot faster than other stations. I suppose that's part of the way they keep up with the demand/volume they experience.

I fill up with Costco gas and I've never had a problem.

In Louisville, Ky. right now they are investigating a similar problem. People have filled up at some local stations and the gauge would not drop below say one quarter tank, but would run out of gas. One repair facility had five customers waiting to have their sending units replaced. They have not been able to track down the cause of the problem.

A hypothesis
 

I believe that I read on another site that certain manufacturers are investigating the possibility that some kinds of oxygenation additives are causing deterioration of metal parts in the fuel level sensor which is causing the float to stick in one position or another.

Are you sure? Have you ever seen what H2S does to copper and brass?... it turns black in a hurry! At work one of our functions is to evaluate grease for its effect on brass and copper. It's the sulfur compounds that attack the copper alloys.

From the information I read in this thread, this sounds more and more like excessive sulfur content in gasoline attacking the brass contacts that send the signal.

Anybody up for a quick experiment?... take identical pieces of polished copper, place one in a beaker of Costco gasoline, the other in another brand of gas that you think doesn't have a problem with the fuel senders. Check it from time to time to see how dark the copper strips get. I'm curious what the results may be.

Had fuel sensor replaced under warranty by dealer. Did not mention anything to dealer, so I assume that a code had been set.

SA told me it is a common problem due to fuel additives used in US. It is my understanding that the replacement part is the same as the old part. No change or upgrade in sensor.

2000 E320

mparker

I don't believe you would get a code for a mulfunctioning fuel sender.
When I had the 2 senders replaced recently ( covered under warranty ), I was told the updated senders have gold-plated contacts, which would make sense to me.
Time will tell. ;)

i use costco gas pretty much exclusively and have never had any problems.

having spoken to the gas station supervisor i know that they get their gas from the same refineries as the other gas stations, but change thier filters more frequently, hence the faster flow rate you generally see at costco stations. i see a truck delivering there every coupla days.

1990 260E

Having once spoken to the Costco gasoline staff in San Jose, CA., I understand that they receive as many as eight (8) truck and trailer deliveries a day. Legenth of lines to pumps seem to confirm such.

Gas
 

Our local Costco gas station attendant has told us that Costco uses BP gasoline. (Previously used Amoco).

I used to run my '90 300E on Amoco 93 octane which was bought out by BP.

When Amoco was bought out, I kept using it from both BP and Costco) and my idle became very erratic. After searching forums and trying various solutions I ran across two references to BP gas possibly being the culprit and switched to Chevron or QT (a southern station with higher detergent gas) and problem cleared up.

My wife still uses 93 octane Costco in her '94 325 is BMW, but runs QT thru it when the pinging gets too bad, which it eventually always does.

I am leery of BP fuel at present.

BP (Bad Petroleum) Gas
 

Several years ago I had problems with my fuel level sensors on both my 1995 C280 and 2000 ML320. This started happening after I had started using BP gasoline. I am not sure what additives are used in this product versus other fuels but I noticed a direct correlation. Since it happened in both of my Benz's after switching, I switched back to using Mobil/Exxon products and after several tanks of gas the fuel level sensors went back to operating normally.

Some might say it was moisture in the tank of the BP station I was using but that was not the case since my wife was filling her vehicle at one BP station and I was using a different station.

It has been several years now and I have not had another fuel level sensor problem and the fuel level sensors have not been replaced. All I know is that I stay away from purchasing the BP product due to problems I have noted.

which southern california chains have the best detergent gasolines to use. i suspect chevron is one, and occasionally use a bottle of their "techron" fuel additive with my costco gas.