2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500 Fuel system Problems

“The baffle inside the gas tank has come loose and is hitting the inside of the tank. The only time it isn't noisy is when the tank is full. After contacting mercedes of utah, they advised they haven't heard of the problem. I don't know if there is a safety issue with the baffle being loose but it is a great concern to me.”

“Here a banging noise behind the seat, took it to a mercedes benz repair shop. They informed me the fuel tank baffle is broken free. He said it is very common on this model. But not covered under warranty or recall. It would cont me over 2,500.00 to repair. Doing some research online at mbworld forum. This happen on almost every car like this. I can not afford to fix this. And I am worried this might blow up or something, since something banging around the the inside of the fuel tank can not be safe, this car runs on premium gasoline. …”

“I own a 2003 mercedes benz SL500. Like most owners of this vehicle, the baffle moves freely within the gas tank which causes a noise and is potential dangerous if a spark is created from the baffle hitting the inside walls of the gas tank. From my research it is a manufacture issue with the welding of the baffle to the internal wall of the gas tank. There is a tremendous amount of complaints and threads on mercedes forums. Please follow link to see all complaints. It is poor customer service and accountability from mercedes benz USA to not recall the issue. …”

“Driving along on 2/14/2015, I hear a banging coming from the back of the car. I notice it only does it when I am excelling or braking. I thought there may be something in the trunk, like a liquid with something floating in it, banging up against the side of the container. After I parked, I checked out the box that I have put in the back of my car. There was nothing there that would make this noise. Upon further investigation, I see that there many complaints against the baffle that is inside the gas tank that comes lose and bangs the sides of the gas tank. This is not acceptable. …”

“I purchased my SL500 used, with only 29,000 miles on it, directly from rusnak mercedes in arcadia, ca. Service has been beyond poor since day 1. My current problem is an obnoxious banging that comes from behind the head. I called rusnak about this and the lady was very firm telling me it's not a recall, although I'd read lots of complaints online about the same problem. So I took it to a local garage- after a week of labor they find it's a hole in the gastank, $2000 to repair. I do not understand why this has not been recalled. …”