Recently my E320 CDI (2000) had unleaded petrol added to the tank, resulting in a 75% petrol/25% diesel mixture (approx). The mistake wasn't realised at the garage and the car was driven some 3 - 4 miles home. It was only when the car wouldn't start again later, that the error was identified.
It went to a Mercedes main Dealer for examination and repairs. They drained the tank, flushed the system and replaced the high-pressure fuel pump.
After collecting the car, I noticed a lot of dark smoke when accelerating hard. I reported this but was told this was normal and would clear after a short while.
The smoking has improved but it still happens when accelerating hard to overtake. I have also noticed it 'hunting' slightly at tickover and sounding 'rougher'. Furthermore, I have increasingly noticed the smell of diesel fumes when stationary. This latter symptom is definitely getting worse and I have to turn the heater fan off when stationary.
None of these symptoms were present before the fuel error.
I called the chap who services my car, now on his own but with many years Mercedes Dealership experience. Firstly, he expressed surprise that the injectors and fuel rail weren't replaced (they weren't even inspected). He said it was 'standard practice' at the Dealership he worked at, to replace these items when petrol was put into a high-pressure diesel model. He suspects injector/fuel-rail damage, despite the small mileage that was covered with the contaminated fuel.
I have spoken to the Mercedes garage that conducted the repairs and questioned the injector/fuel-rail matter and was told that petrol would not harm these components at all.
I have read a few other threads on this topic (each with different fuel/diesel proportions) and there seems to be divided opinions about the potential for damage to components.
Would anyone care to comment on these points and, in particular, if it is considered likely that the current symptoms are related (caused by) the fuel error?
It went to a Mercedes main Dealer for examination and repairs. They drained the tank, flushed the system and replaced the high-pressure fuel pump.
After collecting the car, I noticed a lot of dark smoke when accelerating hard. I reported this but was told this was normal and would clear after a short while.
The smoking has improved but it still happens when accelerating hard to overtake. I have also noticed it 'hunting' slightly at tickover and sounding 'rougher'. Furthermore, I have increasingly noticed the smell of diesel fumes when stationary. This latter symptom is definitely getting worse and I have to turn the heater fan off when stationary.
None of these symptoms were present before the fuel error.
I called the chap who services my car, now on his own but with many years Mercedes Dealership experience. Firstly, he expressed surprise that the injectors and fuel rail weren't replaced (they weren't even inspected). He said it was 'standard practice' at the Dealership he worked at, to replace these items when petrol was put into a high-pressure diesel model. He suspects injector/fuel-rail damage, despite the small mileage that was covered with the contaminated fuel.
I have spoken to the Mercedes garage that conducted the repairs and questioned the injector/fuel-rail matter and was told that petrol would not harm these components at all.
I have read a few other threads on this topic (each with different fuel/diesel proportions) and there seems to be divided opinions about the potential for damage to components.
Would anyone care to comment on these points and, in particular, if it is considered likely that the current symptoms are related (caused by) the fuel error?
