I did a really Dumb Thing to my ML Today. - Benzworld.org

AndyFracica · 02-27-2006, 03:27 PM

I drove up to Wichita KS from OKC. I stopped in Perry to fill up and the drove the rest of the way to wichita (104 + miles) with the Gas cap still in the holder on the filler flap. I did 80 mph almost the whole way - WITH NO ILL EFFECTS! I didn't get a warning message or go into Limp mode. Shouldn't something have signalled a problem?

And how much drag did I create by having the fuel filler door open? I'm sure that my gas mileage will suffer because of it.[:D]

Obrax · 02-27-2006, 04:52 PM

Well you should thank God that nothing happened. Imagine loosing the gas cap, or driving over it and having an accident, or somebody else gets it on his face, or whatever else could have happened.What the warning message concerns I don't know, probably it should be taken into consideration.Maybe it would be advisable to write to MBUSA about it.

sosh · 02-27-2006, 05:08 PM

No flashing low fuel indicator or check engine light??? Isn't that supposed to happen like on the W163's??? As far as drah I guess you could have an aerodynamisist figure that out if its that important to you.

Alex///AMG · 02-27-2006, 05:58 PM

Hmm. I thought the car won't start if you don't put the cap back on.

endodoc · 02-27-2006, 06:35 PM

like having your flaps down 10% on one side... more pitch then drag.

dimitriss · 02-27-2006, 07:01 PM

You mean you didn't notice the car trying to turn right all the time because of the extra resistance from the filer flap [:D]

In any case, according to the manual, you should have seen a warning light.

(On furhter inspection, if the manual says "can cause" that probably means it's hit and miss...)

Kajtek1 · 02-27-2006, 07:11 PM

I don't know guys, but how do you interpret the "can cause"?

GregW / Oregon · 02-27-2006, 07:50 PM

Okay, everybody remove your fuel cap before you drive next time and see if anything happens!

AndyFracica · 02-27-2006, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Obrax - 2/27/2006 5:52 PM

Well you should thank God that nothing happened. Imagine loosing the gas cap, or driving over it and having an accident, or somebody else gets it on his face, or whatever else could have happened.What the warning message concerns I don't know, probably it should be taken into consideration.Maybe it would be advisable to write to MBUSA about it.

Actually that the gas cap is attached with nylon strap. What was really interesting is that the cap stayed hooked to the fuel filler door.

AndyFracica · 02-27-2006, 08:12 PM

Quote:

sosh - 2/27/2006 6:08 PM

No flashing low fuel indicator or check engine light??? Isn't that supposed to happen like on the W163's??? As far as drah I guess you could have an aerodynamisist figure that out if its that important to you.

That's right sosh, no nothing.

I figured that the NASCAR boys were so worried about drag at Dayton that the painted the decals on the cars to avoid the wind resistance from flowing over the decals. I imagine a fuel filler door will produce a lot of drag - Not that it matters,[:)]