1999 C230-HELP..Car will not accept Fuel
 

This is my first post to this site. My car has been to 2 shops and it will not accept fuel. The entire fuel system has been taken apart, but no one can seem to tell me what is wrong. Everything checks out okay, with the exception that I can not put gas in my car. I knew there was a problem because the check engine light came on and my fuel light began to blink. Can ANYONE help me. the car only has 72k miles

I have a similar problem with my car where the fuel nozzle keeps cutting out before the tank is full. My trick is to play around with the nozzle until it takes gas. Try making sure the nozzle does not completely seal against the car, so that there is some air allowed to vent and try not running the pump at full blast.

The real problem is a venting problem, that I have not gotten around to fixing yet. I think I remember reading a service bulletin a while ago about the problem possibly being caused by an expansion tank either being clogged or not functioning properly. If this has been addressed by a shop and the car still is not taking gas, then try playing around with the nozzle when you fuel it. Either way, the problem should be able to be corrected by addressing the venting problem, I would think.

The most common problem is OVERFILLING the fuel tank!
ONCE that has been done the fuel vapors (& raw fuel) will damage the charcoal filter (cannister) that is designed to absorb vapors durning refilling.

From your description that has happened to your car! I imagine you will need a new charcoal filter & shut-off valve.

MB part number for the charcoal filter is 202-470-12-89, list is $150

Repairman needed
 

I cannot seem to find anyone that is familiar with this, so no one will even look at it. I am in the Charlotte, NC area, any suggestions on a repair shop.

go to the mb stealership.

1999 C230 Went to MB for Repair- Fuel Problem
 

They replaced my charcoal canister and shut-off valve. I hope this works it cost $800.

I plan on selling it and buying another one. What are you thoughts on a 2004 C320? I am almost tempted to not buy another mercedes....

I like the W203 C class series, and the M111 engine in there is a fairly good engine. Also, by then the 722.6 has had most of the bugs worked out of it and has become a fairly reliable transmission. As a matter of opinion I like the way the older C class drives and handles.

That's a new one on me ? :confused:

I have a 1998 C230 and a 2002 C240. Both are very nice cars, and feel like they will be solid for twenty years. But I would guess the 2006 C models with their new engines are noticeably better.

You better get a good long factory warranty if your buying a used C320. Some were made in Brazil.

And there are some excellent new japanese cars for the money of a used C-class.

All new C-class in 2007.