W129 Fuel Leak

[SmoothSL]

I have a 96 SL280 and after I turn it on from cold, after a week or so. I notice a fuel leak just infront of the rear right wheel. Around the tank area. After I drove it, it stopped and it didnt leak at all.
The same thing happens everytime I leave the car for a while and then start it. Anybody.. any suggestions??

[Gilly]

I'm not familiar with that exact model, but on similar year 129's here in the US (SL500, SL320) I've found a few fuel leaks in this area. Caused by a loose fuel hose at the fuel filter. I simply replaced the factory "crimp" style clamp with what we in the US call a worm gear style clamp. Possibly in England it's called a "jubilee" style clamp? There is a plastic panel under the car in this location, you'll probably see fuel dripping at a drip hole on the botton of this panel. Remove the panel, it's held on by 3 or 4 plastic 10mm nuts, and you'll be able to find the leak.

Gilly

[valtchov]

I have exactly the same problem with my 93' 300SL (W129). If not driven for a while whan started up fuel just pours out from the plastic cover. I was wondering is you discovered anything after taking the cover off? I will try to get mine off tonight and have a close look.

Valtcho

[Pete Geither]

Just fixed that same exact problem. The fuel filter was leaking at one of the seams. Replaced it and no problems since. Makes me think Mercedes had a run of bad filters as this seems to be more and more of a common problem with these cars. My car has 36K on it.

[valtchov]

Thanks for the info! I will order a replacement filter anyway. Mine is a 1993 300SL with 89K miles on it.