500e fuel tank collapse

[mcwheel]

I was noticing a gas vapor smell in the cabin, no evidence of leaking under the car. Detected that the gas tank was weaping some fuel in the trunk. Pulled the tank, found it had partially collapsed on the front face (facing the back seat). Small cracks had formed at the creases where the buckling occurred. I checked the vacuum purge valve and it does not appear to be blocked (checked with vacuum on tank side). Vapor canister and lines all appear clear, not blocked. Will install a new tank and purge valve - just in case. Has anyone else experienced this and have I missed anything? BTW, tank otherwise looked nearly new and apparently no internal rust.

1992 500e 140k miles

[pawoSD]

Originally Posted by mcwheel

I was noticing a gas vapor smell in the cabin, no evidence of leaking under the car. Detected that the gas tank was weaping some fuel in the trunk. Pulled the tank, found it had partially collapsed on the front face (facing the back seat). Small cracks had formed at the creases where the buckling occurred. I checked the vacuum purge valve and it does not appear to be blocked (checked with vacuum on tank side). Vapor canister and lines all appear clear, not blocked. Will install a new tank and purge valve - just in case. Has anyone else experienced this and have I missed anything? BTW, tank otherwise looked nearly new and apparently no internal rust.

1992 500e 140k miles

That is strange, maybe during some heavy acceleration the suction from the tank overwhelmed the vents? That V8 can be thirsty!

[gsxr]

That is bizarre. I have a similar fuel smell in the cabin on my 500E, but I can't find any fuel leak, either under the car or in the trunk. I don't think the tank has collapsed though as I can still put 22+ gallons into it. Where were you able to spot the fuel to identify a leak?

[macdrone]

You have a 22 gallon tank wow I want one of those mines only 15, 17 including reserve.

It is only the 400E tho.

[gsxr]

Originally Posted by macdrone

You have a 22 gallon tank wow I want one of those mines only 15, 17 including reserve.

It is only the 400E tho.

LOL! Yeah, the 500E has a 90L tank (approx 23.8 gallons) compared to the standard W124's 70L tank (approx 18.5 gallons). You could swap one into your 400E but you'd also need the complete matching trunk carpet set, as the larger tank is a few inches deeper.

[macdrone]

Does it actually stuck out that much further? Could uo post a picture? My panel doesnt actually touch the tank so I was even thinking it could just swap right in.

[gsxr]

A photo doesn't help much - you can't see a big difference. It's a few inches difference, I think 2-4 inches? I can measure the E420 and compare it to the 500E.

The harder part might be finding a place that will ship a gas tank... pretty sure it's considered an explosive item? You would likely need to either find one locally, or buy a new one ($860 MSRP, ouch). The 1995 E300 is the only other model with a 90L tank, and I believe you could use that one as well. Potomac German has a 500E tank available - maybe see if they're willing to ship it?

[mak]

I had a collapsed fuel tank in my SUV caused by a clogged vapour vent pipe . apparently this does not allow vacuum to be formed in the tank as it depletes of fuel
mak

[BJaltima]

I'd love a 90l tank in my 4ooE. Hmm...