I fill up our 2002 W211 wagon when the low fuel light is on and the needle about mid-point over the illuminated warning lamp within the fuel gage. I've filled the car twice (just got it) and the most gas I can add is 16.5 gallons. When I get in the car, it says that only “18.4 gallons remain” and gives the DTE reading.

The Owner's Manual states the tank capacity as 21.1 gallons. Am I missing something? Can the trip computer or fuel level sensor be re-calibrated to offer a better reading? I hate filling up early and I prefer not to have to run the car out of gas to validate the actual tank capacity.

Thanks.

 

Wondering if you ever resolved this? Just bought an '01 E320 wagon and when I fill the tank display is showing 17.2 gal rather that the 21.1 indicated in the manual.
Thanks

 

i believe it has something to do with the reserve that your car keeps for when u are running out of gas (after you hit the yellow that is)

 

My 01 wagon behavessimilarily, I rather have the margin, ran out once many years ago dont like walking with a gas can. The distance to empty does not compute that well after a fill up, and a couple of times it shut off during a filland the guage did not peg.

 

I am not sure this can be applied to other MB model but it works on my 300TE....

I got this trick from a BMW forum... "fill up the gas tank...when the tank is up, rock the car from the rear bumper a couple time... this will allow you to add some more gas..."

that article refered to the baffles inside the gas tank and the air being trapped in it....

 

The folks at MBUSA ultimately told me the wagons have a smaller tank due to the placement of the 3rd row seat.

 

Yes yes... I know that the tank of a TE is smaller... nonetheless if I don't rock the car, my fuel gauge never hit the top mark..

thanks

 

No issues with the fuel gage on our car, it appears to be extremely accurate. I intentionally ran it out of fuel as I was heading for the gas station. The needle is dead on "E" when it's empty and right on "F" when full. The highest indication I see on the display is 18.6 gallons. Once the auto fuel shutoff stops flow, you really can't squeeze much more fuel in..perhaps a 1/4 gallon.