E320 Fuel Problem
 

We just had our 1999 E320 in the shop for a oil leak and fuel filter change. The mechanic, who is MB certified, told my wife that the fuel looked dirty so I wonder if I should have the tank drained. Any input is appreciated. I have not had a chance to talk to the mechanic but plan to Monday to get his opinion. :confused:

That is a new one on me...The fuel filter is there to trap most non-fuel that gets into the system.

agree with mb doc just because fuel filter dirty does not mean tank is dirty.

E320 Fuel Problem
 

Guys, let me explain since I feel I may have left out something. The mechanic showed my wife some fuel which was dirty looking. I also think the filter should have caught the trash. One problem we took it in for was because it would shut off for no apparent reason.....hot or cold did not seem to matter. He scanned it and said there were no codes stored. However, whenever I drove it Friday night to pick up pizza, it shut off again when I stopped in the parking lot before entering traffic. I haven't heard my wife complain about it since then because she has gone out of town for the week. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!
Bobbo

You don't say how many miles are on your car but if it is getting up there the crank position (or reference) sensor should be replaced if it hasn't been already. These should really be a maintenance item because they do wear out and can leave you stranded. It's a matter of when not if. An easy DIY, do a search. A bad CPS could cause what you are describing and it doesn't throw any codes.
http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/mercedesshop/sophio/wizard.jsp?partner=mercedesshop&clientid=catalog.mercedesshop&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&cookieid=1W30TVH0Y1YL0P47J1&year=1999&make=MB&model=E-320-005&category=All&part=Reference+Sensor&appEngines=_any
The "Fits" numbers refer to the last few digits of your VIN.
Good Luck, Dan

agreed !
if the car is just shutting off without any reason, most definitely try to change the crank shaft position sensor on it. that's almost always the problem.

They also run poorly on water.