As the name implies, the fuel tank holds the gasoline that your Mercedes-Benz vehicle needs as part of the internal combustion process. Without it, your engine would be lacking one of the two ingredients it needs to burn in order to move your SUV, sedan, coupe, crossover, convertible, or van -- and you'd be left with nothing more than a lovely piece of driveway art.

The gas sits in your fuel tank until it's needed. Then a fuel pump draws the fuel out and sends it through fuel lines to the fuel injectors located in the engine's cylinders. Those deliver the fuel into the combustion chamber, where it mixes with air. Finally, the spark plugs ignite the mixture, generating the power you need.

Fuel tanks are typically made of either metal or plastic high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Metal tanks can be composed of either steel or aluminum, and are great at cutting unwanted emissions. Plastic tanks can be shaped into complex forms, so they 're useful when designed tanks that save space and enhance safety. Fuel tank sizes range, with SUVs and vans typically outfitted with much larger tanks than those seen on compact cars.

Mercedes-Benz Makes the Best Fuel Tank for Your Vehicle

Even top-quality fuel tanks may eventually fail. Components in plastic fuel tanks are integrated into the tank's mold and can't be replaced if they warp. Metal fuel tanks can rust, leading to flakes contaminating the fuel. Signs of trouble include leaking fuel, the smell of gasoline, or a "Check Engine" dash light coming on -- though many things can trigger that light, so you'll want to connect a code reader to discover the real issue.

Fortunately, the solution is simple. First, verify that your fuel tank is the [problem. Then, search for the authentic fuel tank that Mercedes-Benz specifically designed to fit your model. You'll find it in our online inventory, ready to be shipped out. Order from our auto parts center today and save!