🚗 Classic Fault — Mercedes-Benz W115 (1968–1976)
Fuel tank seam corrosion and weeping
💰 Estimated Repair Cost
$100 – $400 USD
Parts and labour estimate
🔧 Tools Required
Tank removal tools
📋 Overview
The pressed-steel fuel tank corrodes along the seam welds after decades. Initial weeping is often masked by road dirt. The smell of petrol when parked is often the first indication.
🩺 Symptoms
- Petrol smell after parking
- small wet patch beneath tank
- fuel level dropping overnight
- rust on tank underside
🔍 Possible Causes
- Corroded tank seam
- corrosion pitting in tank base
- tank strap corrosion
🛠️ Diagnosis Steps
Inspect tank underside carefully. Clean visible corrosion to assess severity.
✅ Most Confirmed Fix
Remove tank. Assess seam. Internally seal if minor. Replace if seam badly corroded.
66% of users confirm this fix worked (13 reports)
🏷️ Parts Needed
Reconditioned fuel tank; fuel tank sealer (temporary)
🔗 Other Mercedes-Benz W115 Faults
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