2004 Mercedes Benz E500

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.

Risk. A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 22V-954. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024120001/2/3.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.

Risk. A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall expands NHTSA recall number 19V-918. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010004, 2023010005, and 2023010006.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V918-4126.pdf

Risk. A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020040011.

Approximately in March 2026, I started noticing a very strong gasoline odor coming from my 2004 Mercedes-Benz E 500 4-matic with original miles approximately 56,300. The fuel odor always got stronger whenever I would fill up the gas tank. The history on my car is such that it has always been garage kept. The gasoline odor coming from my car started getting stronger and stronger while in my garage. On Memorial Day 2026 I called HQ, Mercedes Benz and told them about the gas odor coming from my car. After the call ended I decided that the car needed to be towed to the nearest Mercedes Benz service center. I considered that the gas order to be very dangerous so I parked my car in the driveway. Once parked in my driveway, there was no longer a gasoline order in my garage. Now even while parked in my driveway, I could smell gasoline around the rear of my car when I opened the doors the gasoline smell was very strong. All of this happens suddenly and only grew worse within the last four days. The gasoline smell was probably there for a long time but I didn’t notice it since I do not drive the car very often. That should be obvious because there is only approximately 56,300 miles on the car and those are original miles. I called Mercedes-Benz headquarters and requested a tow to the nearest Mercedes-Benz repair shop which is in Tampa Florida. As my car was being placed on the flatbed tow truck gasoline started spilling out onto the bed of the tow truck. That is a very dangerous situat

I am submitting this complaint regarding a suspected safety-related defect involving the fuel system of my Mercedes-Benz vehicle. I have experienced a persistent gasoline odor originating from the vehicle. The presence of fuel odor is not a normal operating condition and reasonably indicates a potential failure involving the fuel tank, fuel lines, or related fuel system components. Fuel vapors present a known fire and explosion hazard and constitute a safety risk to vehicle occupants, surrounding vehicles, and property. This condition was not present prior to the issue and has persisted despite inspection. I reported this concern to Mercedes-Benz USA and referenced that fuel odor and fuel tank-related defects have been documented in other Mercedes-Benz vehicles. During my communication with Mercedes-Benz USA, I was informed that an extended or long-term warranty related to the fuel tank or fuel system had existed but was no longer applicable because the coverage period had expired. I was not made aware of this extended warranty at the time it was active and therefore had no opportunity to seek inspection or repair while coverage was in effect. Mercedes-Benz USA has acknowledged my complaint but has declined to provide corrective action beyond internal review. Given the safety implications of fuel system defects and the potential impact of inadequate disclosure of extended safety-related warranty coverage, I am requesting that NHTSA document this complaint and evaluate whether

Vehicle started smoking and caught fire while I was driving. Pulled over and vehicle erupted in flames. It took firefighters 2 hours to put out that fire.

The contact owns a 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that upon making a stop, he noticed fuel leaking onto the driver's side rear wheel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the failure was associated with an unknown recall for the fuel tank. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

The car has smelled like gas from the minute i received it. the previous owner told me that mercedes had quoted 5 grand to fix it so i would only put half a tank in at a time. turns out there was a warranty on it but has since expired. why wasn't it fixed for free when the previous owner brought it? this is very dangerous and can cause an explosion. the warranty should have been fixed rather than quoted and seems very greedy to not disclose that information but instead giving a quote. i have lung and heart problems and this is a definite safety issue that needs to be corrected regardless of the age of the car also brought it to dealership scared and they told me too bad it's been too long. how is a gas leak an ok thing to dismiss?????? i have been trying to get this fixed for years and this is my 2nd attempt for a recall with no response at all

The contact owns a 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the brake malfunction warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with the SBC hydraulic unit needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 04V296000 (Service brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and referred the contact to the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 199,700.

VEHICLE HAS A RECALL ON REPLACEMENT OF FUEL TANK. MERCEDES BENZ DEALER DID NOT WANT TO HONOR THE RECALL. WHEN I FILL CAR UP WITH GAS IT LEAKS OUT OF THE TANK AND ON THE GROUND. MERCEDES-BENZ DEALER SAID I MISSED THE TIME FOR THE RECALL. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP BEFORE THE RECALL ENDED IN 2019 SPOKE WITH THE SERVICE ADVISOR AT THE MCKINNEY MERCEDES-BENZ DEALERSHIP AND I INFORMED HIM THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE DUE TO THE BRAKING SYSTEM FAILURE CALL THE SPC HYDRAULIC PUMP. TURNS OUT THAT IS ALSO A RECALL THAT IS WIDELY KNOWN.AT THAT TIME THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND THEN THE PANDEMIC HIT SO THERE WAS NO NEED TO TAKE IT UP THERE AT THE TIME DUE TO COVID. MERCEDES BENZ SHOULD HONOR THIS SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD LEAD TO A DEADLY SITUATION IF NOT ADDRESSED. THEY HAVE BEEN DECEPTIVE BY MARKING THIS IS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ISSUE AND NOT A SAFETY RECALL ISSUE. THEY PRETTY MUCH TOLD ME SINCE I DON'T HAVE MY CAR WORKED ON AT THE DEALERSHIP, THEY DON'T WANT TO HELP ME IN THIS SITUATION. THEY MENTIONED HAD THE CAR BEEN SERVICED AT THE DEALERSHIP AND NOT AT THE INDEPENDENT SHOO THAT I USED I MAY HAVE HAD A BETTER CHANCE AT THEM COVERING THE CHARGES FOR THIS TANK REPLACEMENT.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ E500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER RELEASING THE DRIVER'S SEAT, THE SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITH AN AUDIBLE CHIME. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT REAR PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT FAILED LATCH SECURELY IN THE BUCKLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE CENTER SEAT BELT TONGUE CEASED IN THE BUCKLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V534000 (SEAT BELTS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ E500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REFUELED, THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE OF A FUEL LEAK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL ODOR DETECTED OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WAS RED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF GOLDENS BRIDGE 321 NY-22, GOLDENS BRIDGE, NY 10526, (914) 232-8122 TO BE DIAGNOSED. A FUEL LEAK WAS CONFIRMED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED OR INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

THE PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE IS THAT WITH ITS CURRENT TCM( TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE) IN A 722.9 TRANSMISSION, THE CONDUCTOR PLATE THAT HOLDS THE SENSORS IN PLACE BECOME DEFECTIVE AND CREATES A PROBLEM IN WHICH THE TRANSMISSION GETS STUCK IN 2ND GEAR. THIS CAUSES A MAJOR PROBLEM DRIVING ON ROAD WAYS THAT ARE +45MPH BECAUSE THE VEHICLE CANNOT DRIVE OVER 25MPH FURTHER CAUSING MORE PROBLEMS THAT MAY ACTUALLY FREEZE UP THE ENGINE CAUSING THE CAR TO STOP. IF THE CAR IS STOPPED AND BEGINS TO GO AGAIN, THE RMP'S CAN GO VERY HIGH WITHOUT ANY POWER OR MOTION IN THE VEHICLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO 2 OF MY PERSONAL FRIENDS ALREADY WITH THE 722.9 TRANSMISSION. IN PARTICULAR THE CONDUCTOR PLATE OR VALVE BODY WAS CORRUPTED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO FAIL. I AM REPORTING THIS BECAUSE THE PART CAN FAIL ANYTIME DURING OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE AND IS A SAFETY ISSUE TO THE DRIVER AND OTHERS AROUND WHEN THIS MAY OCCUR. MANY OTHER OWNERS (I'VE READ ONLINE) WITH THIS 722.9 TRANSMISSION CONDUCTOR PLATE FAULT IS ALSO FRUSTRATED BY THE FACT THAT NOT ONLY MERCEDES-BENZ DOESN'T ALLOW FOR A CONSUMER TO BUY THE PART BUT MANY WARRANTIES ARE VOIDED WITH THIS FAULT. MY VEHICLE (MERCEDES-BENZ E500 2004) ALSO IS ONLY AT 56,000 MILES ON THE SPEEDOMETER. CONSIDERING THE MILEAGE, THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT SEEMS TO BE PREMATURE DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED BY A MERCEDES-BENZ DEALER BUT HAS NO SERVICE FOR THE VERY COMMONLY FAULTED PART.

ENGINE STOPPED WHILE RUNNING THE CAR. HAD TO HAVE A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP REPLACE BOTH SENDING UNITS AND SEALS/GASKETS. I BELIEVE THIS IS A RECALL ALREADY BUT I PAID FOR IT?

AIRMATIC SUSPENSION DROPPED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. RED LIGHT WARNING FLASHED THAT VEHICLE WAS LOW. TRIED TO RAISE CAR BUT IT WOULD NOT RAISE. CAR WAS VERY CLOSE TO GROUND AND WOULD NOT RAISE..BEGAN LOOKING UP, IF OTHER SAME MODELS AS OURS HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND THEY DO. READ SEVERAL CONSUMERS COMPLIANTS/ CONCERNS WHO ALSO OWN A MERCEDES BENZ THEY SEEM TO HAVE THIS SIMILAR PROBLEM. IT'S VERY EXPENSIVE TO FIX AT A DEARLERSHIP. LOOKS LIKE THIS VEHICLE MAY HAVE A PROBLEM/DEFECT WITH THEIR AIRMATIC SUSPENSION AND IT IS VERY DANGEROUS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY UNKNOWING THAT YOUR VEHICLE IS DROPPING TO GROUND.THIS REALLY NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED TO SEE IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THEIR AIRMATIC SUSPENSION BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT OR KILLED WHILE DRIVING.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ E500. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE SUSPENSION SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT. IN ADDITION, THE 'STOP DRIVING/VEHICLE DRIVING LOW' WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUSPENSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 104,000.

"TAKATA RECALL" MY MERCEDES BENZ E500 BACK AIR SHOCKS STOPPED LIFTING THE CAR WHEN I STARTED IT IN THE MORNING AND THE RED INDICATOR LIGHT WANT GO OFF UNLESS I STOP IT WILL LIFT UP AN THEN GOES BACK DOWN.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ E500. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE SUSPENSION AIR BAGS FAILED ACTIVATE TO LIFT THE VEHICLE. THE MESSAGE "STOP CAR, PARK TOO LOW" REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000. *TT

STRONG FUEL SMELL IN CABIN

CAR WAS AT A STOP AND BACK END OF CAR WENT DOWN, STOP CAR TOO LOW CAME ON THE DASHBOARD

SBC UNIT HAS A LIMIT THAT IS SHOWING A FAULT YET BRAKES SEEM FINE NOW MUST FIX AND ALL THAT IS AVAILABLE ARE REMANUFACTURED UNITS.

RED LIGHT CAME ON STATING THAT THE CAR WAS TOO LOW

THIS COMPLAINT RELATES TO A PRIOR GOVERNMENT INVESTIGATION AND RELATED EXTENSION OF WARRANTY. THE GOVERNMENT INVESTIGATION DETERMINED LEAKS COULD OCCUR FROM THE GAS TANK PRESSURE SENSOR, THE OUTLET OF THE GAS TANK FILLING LIMITER VALVE AND AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP. DETERMINED LEAKS COULD OCCUR FROM THE GAS TANK PRESSURE SENSOR, THE OUTLET OF THE GAS TANK FILLING LIMITER VALVE AND AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP. AS A RESULT, BENZ EXTENDED ITS WARRANTY TO 15 YEARS ON GAS TANK COMPONENTS IN 2003-2009 E-CLASS VEHICLES AND 2006-2011 CLS-CLASS VEHICLES. CONSISTENT WITH THE PROBLEM, MY FUEL PUMP FAILED LAST WEEK; THE CAR WOULD NOT START. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO OAKLAND MERCEDES FOR SERVICE UNDER THE WARRANTY. BENZ WAS NOTIFIED AND INSPECTED THE CAR LAST WEDNESDAY. THE DEALER TOOK POSSESSION ON FRIDAY. I HAVE CALLED THE SERVICE DEPT MANY TIMES TO LEARN STATUS OF THE CAR. BENZ TELLS ME THE CAR STILL HAS NOT EVEN BEEN ASSIGNED A SERVICE ADVISOR. THEY REFUSE TO GIVE ME ANY INFORMATION RE THE STATUS OF MY CAR AND WHEN IT WILL BE REPAIRED. THIS AMOUNTS TO A REFUSAL TO FULFILL THEIR PROMISES GIVEN UPON THE DISCOVERY OF THEIR FAULTY FUEL TANKS.

WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, THE BRAKES COMPLETELY FAILED. THERE WAS A SUDDEN 100% PRESSURE LOSS IN THE BRAKE PEDAL. I WAS LESS THAN 20 FT FROM GETTING ON THE HIGHWAY. HAD THIS HAPPENED TO ME WHILE I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY, I WOULD HAVE MET WITH A TRAGIC ACCIDENT. THIS CAR ONLY HAS 92,392 MILES. IT IS A 1-OWNER WITH ALL MAINTENANCE AND SERVICES DONE ONLY BY MERCEDES DEALER AND AUTHORIZED REPAIR FACILITIES. THE VEHICLE IS 100% UPTO DATE ON ALL REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE AND THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO REASON FOR SUCH FAILURE. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, IT WAS FOUND THERE ARE OTHER MERCEDES BENZ USERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE. NOT ONLY WILL I EVER BUY A MERCEDES BENZ AGAIN, BUT I WILL NEVER RIDE IN A MERCEDES BENZ PRODUCT FOR THE SAKE OF MY SAFETY!!! *TR

STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ E500. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRONIC BRAKING SYSTEM FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 146,000.

DEALERSHIP: FIRST CLASS AUTO LAND, 4050 FRANKFORD AVE PHILADELPHIA, PA 19124 FIRST PROBLEM: THE SRS AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON WHEN I FIRST PURCHASED THE CAR THE DEALERSHIP PROMISED TO FIX IT AND NEVER DID. SECOND PROBLEM: THE POWER STEERING WAS FAULTY AND THE DEALERSHIP FIXED IT, BUT I GOT A NEW ERROR ON MY INSTRUMENT PANEL. THIRD PROBLEM: AFTER GETTING THE POWER STEERING PROBLEM FIXED A WARNING LIGHT APPEARED SAYING WARNING ESP MALFUNCTION VISIT SERVICE CENTER. FORTH PROBLEM: I DROVE TO WORK AND GOT HOME PARK THE CAR WOKE UP THE NEXT DAY AND MY RIGHT FRONT FRONT AIR SHOCK WENT ON ME. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THE OWNER REFUSED TO REPAIR IT, SO I WENT TO A AN AUTHORIZED MERCEDES REPAIR SHOP AND THEY FIXED IT, OUT OF POCKET I PAID $650.00 FIFTH PROBLEM: FIFTH PROBLEM: SBS BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED, MY WHOLE ENTIRE BRAKING IS NOT WORKING, IT WAS WORKING PERFECTLY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I PARKED MY CAR TO GO INTO WORK, WHEN I GOT OFF FROM WORK AND STARTED MY CAR A HUGE RED LIGHT FLASHED ON MY INSTRUMENT PANEL, AND MY BREAKS WOULD NOT WORK, I PURCHASED THE CAR ON JAN 18TH 2016 THE CURRENT DATE IS JUNE 16TH 2016 I HAD THE CAR LESS THAN 6 MOTHS AND DROVE IT FOR 5,000 MILES. I HAVE HD VIDEO FOOTAGE OF MY CAR GETTING TOWED AWAY WHEN THE AIR SHOCKS MALFUNCTIONED, I WILL HAVE HD FOOTAGE OF THE TOWING OF MY CAR NOW THAT MY WHOLE ENTIRE BRAKING SYSTEM IS MALFUNCTIONING COULD SOMEONE HELP!, I'M WILLING TO DO AN FULL REPORT ON THE LOCAL NEWS, THIS DEALERSHIP MUST BE STOPPED BEFORE SOMEONE LOSSES THEIR

WHILE D IRVING HOME FROM WORK, AFTER STOPPING FOR LIGHT, WHEN LIGHT CHANGED AND I PROCEEDED TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, I SUDDENLY COULDN'T HARDLY TURN. IT TOOK ALL I HAD TO MAKE TURNS, THEN AFTER ARRIVING HOME MY HUSBAND NOTICED THE SUSPENSION HAD DROPPED ON THE VEHICLES AND WAS RESTING ON THE LEFT REAR TIRE. POWER STEERING RESOVIOUR WAS EMPTY AND WHEN HE PUT SOME IN. IT ALL RAN ON THE GROUND. V ECHO LIE WAS IN MOTION.

THERE IS A VERY STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE COMING FROM THE BACK SEAT. WHEN I FILL THE GAS TANK THE SMELL IS SO STRONG IT FILLS THE ENTIRE GARAGE. WHEN I REMOVED THE BACK SEAT I FOUND A SMALL PUDDLE OF GAS. I FIRST STARTED NOTICING THE SMELL IN THE MIDDLE OF LAST MONTH -(MARCH 2016)- AND CONTINUES TO GET WORSE EACH TIME I FILL THE GAS TANK.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ E500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATE 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED BUT CONTINUED TO ROLL WITHOUT STOPPING, THE BRAKE PEDAL FAILED, AND THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO COME OUT OF PARK. IN ADDITION, ALL THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ E500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN THE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. AFTER RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,103. ...UPDATED 04/26/16 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER DENIED ASSISTANCE DUE TO THE VEHICLE BEING OUT OF WARRANTY. *JS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ E500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED AND FAILED TO RESPOND AS THE BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SBC UNIT NEEDED TO REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT A VARIOUS SPEEDS, A FUEL ODOR EMITTED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED TWO SEPARATE TIMES HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RESERVE TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ E500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL WAS NOTICED. IN ADDITION, THE COOLANT WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATING AFTER THE COOLANT WAS REFILLED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000.

WHEN FILLING THE CAR WITH GASOLINE TO A FULL TANK, THERE IS A STRONG SMELL OF FUEL THAT IS VERY STRONG THE NEXT DAY. I HAVE READ IN FORUMS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL AND THAT MB KNOWS ABOUT THIS BUT IS NOT DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT. IS THERE A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT ON THIS MATTER? I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE USED. AM I PROTECTED UNDER EMISSIONS LAWS OR NOT?

WE HAD JUST STOPPED THE VEHICLE IN A PARKING SPACE AT A GRCCERY. AS WE EXITED THE VEHICLE AND WERE WALKNG AWAY FROM IT WE HEARD A LOUD POP AS IF A TIRE HAD A BLOWN. WE LOOKED AROUND BUT DID NOT NOTICE ANY LOW TIRE FROM LOSS OF AIR. WHEN WE RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE AFTER GROCERY SHOPPING MY WIFE NOTICED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WAS LOWER THAN THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE. WHEN I STARTED THE VEHICLE I NOTICED THE RED WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH INSTRUMENT PANEL "STOP, CAR TOO LOW!" I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL TO SEE IF THE WHEEL/TIRE WOULD RUB AGAINST THE WHEEL WELL AND IT DID NOT, SO WE DROVE HOME WHICH WAS ONLY ONE MILE. I PARKED THE VEHICLE IN THE GARAGE. AFTER READING A NMBER OF OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS, IT APPEARS THIS MALFUNCTION SHOULD BE A MANUFACTURER RECALL FOR A DEFICIENT PART OR ENGINEERING DESIGN FLAW FOR THE MALFUNCTION.

TURNING INTO A SHOPPING CENTER WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY BRAKES TOTALLY WENT OUT. I HAD JUST A TINY BIT OF BREAKS AND COULDN'T STOP TO MAKE THE TURN INTO THE SHOPPING CENTER SAFELY. I HAD TO GO INTO THE SHOPPING CENTER PARKING LOT AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS. WHAT HAD HAPPENED WAS MY SPC BRAKES WENT OUT ON MY MERCEDES AND I HAD TO GET IT TOWED TO MY MECHANIC TO GET IT REPAIRED. THIS WAS SCARY AS HECK SENSE IF I WAS ON THE FREEWAY I'M GOING FREEWAY SPEEDS I PROBABLY WOULD HAVE CRASHED , BUT SINCE I WAS SLOW ENOUGH AND WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER I DIDN'T CRASH. THEY'RE DEFINITELY SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THIS SPC BRAKING SYSTEM.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ E500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. ADDITIONALLY, THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT THEN SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

I PURCHASED MY CAR USED AT 132000 MILES. THIS WAS A PRE EXISTING CONDITION THAT DEALER DIDN'T MENTION ANYTHING ABOUT, BECAUSE THE NEXT DAY I FILLED THE TANK AS IT WAS SOLD TO ME WITH LESS THAN 1/4 TANK, NOW I KNOW WHY, I GOT A VERY STRONG ODOR OF GAS THAT FILLED MY GARAGE AND SMELLED INSIDE THE CAR AS WELL. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I FILL THE TANK. IT ALSO SETS A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. DEALERSHIP I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM (NOT A MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP) REFUSES ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROBLEM. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CODE IS "EVAPORATIVE EMISSION LEAK DETECTED (SMALL LEAK)". ALSO BECAUSE OF THE ISSUE MY GAS LIGHT WILL RANDOMLY START BLINKING AND WHEN I ACCELERATE THE CENTER DISPLAY BEEPS LIGHTS UP RED AND SAID CHECK FUEL CAP. FUEL CAP IS FINE, I THINK IT'S RELATED TO THE LEAK.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ E500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME STUCK. IN ORDER FOR THE BRAKE PEDAL TO RELEASE, IT NEEDED TO BE DEPRESSED SEVERAL TIMES. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ E500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE ON POSITION, THE VEHICLE DID NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BATTERY AND THE IGNITION KEY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 109,000.

MY CAR STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY. SHOP TELLS ME ITS THE SBC PUMP

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ E500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL EMITTING INTO THE VEHICLE WHEN IT WAS REFUELED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AFTER MAKING SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 191,000.

I FELLED MY CAR UP WITH GAS AT LUNCH 12 NOON AND WHEN I GOT OFF WORK AT 5PM THE GAS FUMES WERE SO STRONG I COULD BREATHE IN MY CAR. I TUCK IT TO SOUTH BAY MERCEDES BENZ AND WAS TOLD THAT THE GAS TANK HAS A LEAK AND THE GAS HAD LEAKED IN TO THE CABIN BEHIND THE BACK SET OF MY CAR AND THAT THE REPAIRS WOULD BE COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. IT'S BEEN OVER 2 WEEKS AND THEY HAVE NO ETA ON WHEN MY CAR WILL BE FIXED. I HAVE A LONER BUT I CHECK ONLINE AND FOUND THAT THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM. *TR

THE CARS BRAKES JUST QUIT WITHOUT ANY WARNING WHICH I WAS DRIVING, AS DESCRIBED BELOW. THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL THAT HAS A SERVICE THRESHOLD. WHEN THIS THRESHOLD IS REACHED THE BRAKE SYSTEM DEFAULTS TO NON POWER ASSISTED HYDRAULIC MODE TO THE FRONT WHEELS ONLY. THIS OCCURS WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING AND RESULTS IN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE. I HAVE SENT A COPY OF THE MERCEDES SERVICE BULLETIN S142.46-P-0012A WHICH ADDRESSES THIS ISSUE. MERCEDES STOPPED INSTALLING THIS SYSTEM IN 2006. AT THE VERY LEAST, MERCEDES SHOULD ISSUE A MANDATORY RECALL TO INTERROGATE THESE VEHICLES WITH STAR DAS TO DETERMINE HOW CLOSE TO THE SERVICE THRESHOLD THE SBC UNIT IS AND REPLACE THEM AT THE DEALER'S EXPENSE. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ E500. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE "SUSPENSION IS TOO LOW DO NOT DRIVE" WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUSPENSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

BENZ E500/55K MILES. I HAVE HAD TWO MAJOR SAFETY ISSUES WITH THE CAR. ONE BEING FUEL TANK RELATED AND THE SECOND SBC PUMP FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. ON THE FIRST, TOO LITTLE TOO LATE, SO MANY YEARS AFTER THE INCIDENT AND PURCHASE OF THE CAR, MERCEDES BENZ HAS SENT A LETTER COVERING THE REPAIR AND PARTS FOR 15 YEARS. I THINK THAT IN ITSELF IS AN OFFENSE AND A CRIME. ON THE SECOND ISSUE, SBC PUMP MERCEDES BENZ REFUSED TO GIVE ME IN DETAIL THE EFFECT OF FAILING SBC PUMP ON OTHER PARTS OF THE CAR OR THE EFFECT OF FAILED SBC PUMP. MORE IMPORTANTLY, SERVICE MANAGERS ARE TELLING CUSTOMERS THAT THEY ARE EXPECTING ALL MODELS EQUIPPED WITH SBC PUMP TO COME TO THE SHOP. NOW THAT THE 10 YEARS IS UP IN MOST CARS AND OUT OF WARRANTY.THAT IS A SCAM WHEN THE DEALER KNOWS ALL THESE CUSTOMERS WILL COME TO THE SHOP (BECAUSE IT CANNOT BE FIXED IN ANY AUTO SHOP) THEREBY TAKING ADVANTAGE OF A SAFETY ISSUE. HOW DO CAR MANUFACTURERS GET AWAY WITH THINGS LIKE THIS AND HOW DEALERS GET AWAY WITH THINGS LIKE THIS. THE RIGHT THING TO DO IS EXTEND THE WARRANTY ON SBC PUMP TO 15 YEARS JUST LIKE THEY DID IN FUEL TANK, THAT WAY DEALER WON'T TAKE ADVANTAGE AND CUSTOMERS HAVE PEACE OF MIND AND WON'T COMPROMISE ON SAFETY. EVEN THAT IS A SLAP ON THE WRIST COMPARED TO THE OFFENSE AND CRIME.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ E500. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT HAD TO ENGAGE THE EMERGENCY BRAKES IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE NO BREAKAGE POWER AND THE SHUT DOWN ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE SBC PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,600.

BENZ E500 2004 (54K MILES) SAFETY ISSUE1: NOV 2008(36K MILES), THE CAR USED TO LOSE POWER AND SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING WITH ALL THE LIGHTS BLINKING ON THE DASH BOARD. BUT I WAS ABLE TO BREAK ANSDSTOP . SOMETIMES IT STARTED BACK ON AND SOMETIMES IT DID NOT.DEALER REPLACED THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR AND THE SENDER UNIT. HAD TO PAY THE BILL OF $600 PLUS TOWING. THEY DID NOT INSPECT OTHER SAFETY ISSUES LIKE THE SBC PUMP OR LET ME KNOW ABOUT THE 10 YEAR WARRANTY. NEITHER DID THEY TELL ME IF SBC PUMP FAILURE OR ITS MALFUNCTION HAS ANY IMPACT ON OTHER PARTS OF THE CAR. SAFETY ISSUE 2: JAN 6TH 2015.(REFER TO COMPLAINT #10676289)SBC PUMP FAILED DURING A LONG ROAD TRIP AND THINKING IT WAS JUST BRAKE PADS, COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL. DEALER/MB REFUSED ANY ASSISTANCE IN REPAIRS. COST US $2200. WHEN THE DEALER REFUSED TO LOOK AT THE SBC PUMP BEFORE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED AND THEY KNOW IT IS GOING TO FAIL, CUSTOMER IS IN A VERY UNCOMFORTABLE POSITION WITH SAFETY ASPECT, HUGE REPAIR COSTS INVOLVED AND POSSIBLE IMPACT ON OTHER PARTS AND SITUATIONS. THEY DESIGNED A WARRANTY ON THIS PROGRAMMABLE UNIT THAT IS PROGRAMMED TO LEND CERTAIN CYCLES OR SERVICE. MERCEDES BENZ HAS TURNED THIS MAJOR DEFECT INTO A MONEY MAKING OPPORTUNITY LATELY. THEY ARE INSTALLING REMAN UNITS WITH A HIGH REPAIR COST OF $2000-3000. SOMETIMES, MORE THAN THE WORTH OF THE CAR. REGULATORS SHOULD REVISIT THE CASE AND HAVE THEM PROVIDE LIFE TIME WARRANTY ON THIS MAJOR FLAW AND MAYBE MORE. WHEN THERE WERE TWO RECALLS JUST A YEAR AFTER IT WA

BENZ2004 E500.ORIGINAL OWNER/55K MILES.DRIVING BACK FROM A LONG ROAD TRIP, THE "SERVICE BRAKE" MESSAGE CAME ON.THINKING IT WAS JUST THE PADS, THOUGHT WE COULD REACH HOME.LATER, WE REALIZED WHAT A DANGEROUS THING WE HAD DONE, BY DRIVING A CAR WITH SBC PUMP FAILURE.WE COULD HAVE TAKEN OFF A BRIDGE OR THROWN INTO A SWAMP OR PUT SOMEONE ELSE IN DANGER.THIS PROBLEM CANNOT BE FIXED AT ANY AUTO SHOP, IT HAS TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER, FROM WHEREVER YOU ARE STUCK AND ONLY DEALER CAN FIX IT.DEALER SAID MFR, WILL NOT ASSIST IN REPAIR BECAUSE IT IS PAST 10 YEARS.AND WE HAVE TO PAY $2350. THERE WERE TWO RECALLS IN 2004/05 REGARDING SBC PUMP,BUT MERCEDES BENZ HAS CONVENIENTLY DESIGNED A 10 YEAR WARRANTY TO THEIR ADVANTAGE AND DEALERS ADVANTAGE.WHEN THEY KNOW ALL CARS EQUIPPED WITH IT, IS GUARANTEED TO FAIL IN 10 -15 YEARS AND IN SOME CASES, EVEN BEFORE THAT.IT WAS NOT COURT ORDERED OR GOVT. ORDERED, BUT SET UP BY THEM FOR THEM.ONCE THERE WAS A RECALL, THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN LIFETIME WARRANTY ON THESE.IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE.TRIED NEGOTIATING WITH MBUSA TO REIMBURSE, BUT THEY REFUSED. AND THEY REFUSED TO GIVE ME IN WRITING ABOUT THE REFUSAL OR ANYTHING RELATED.AFTER PAYING TO FIX IT, THEY DON'T EVEN INSTALL A NEW UNIT, THEY INSTALL A RE MANUFACTURED UNIT.THEY THREATEN YOU WITH CORE CHARGES FOR THE OLD PART AND RECYCLE AGAIN FOR THE NEXT CUSTOMER.WHEN I LEFT THE DEALER SHIP, I HAD THIS FEELING LIKE I WAS SET UP AND MUGGED BY BENZ/DEALER, SINCE THEY WERE EXPECTING IT.SINCE THEY HAVE DISCONTINUED

WHILE TRAVELING ALONG A 2 LANE HIGHWAY IN A SNOW STORM, THE SBC PUMP FAILED AND CAUSED THE ABS TO FAIL AS WELL AS THE BRAKES TO BARELY WORK. THE SUBSEQUENT SKID FORCED A VERY CLOSE CALL WITH A FULLY LADEN LOGGING TRUCK, AND COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN A FATAL ACCIDENT WERE IT NOT FOR GOOD LUCK. UNDER NHTSA RECALL 2004 050014, AND RECALL CAMPAIGN 2005070007 APR06 BY MERCEDES, THE SBC PUMP FAILURE IS A KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE. THE LOCAL MERCEDES BENZ HAS OFFERED TO SELL ME A NEW ONE FOR $1700 AS MERCEDES BENZ USA IS NOT WILLING TO REPLACE THIS FAILED PART UNDER THE RECALL AS THEY ONLY OFFER A 10 YEAR WINDOW. ISN'T A SAFETY RECALL A RECALL? BRAKES ARE A VITAL ASPECT OF SAFETY... *TR

I STARTING SMELLING A GASSY SMELL SEEPING INTO MY HOUSE AT NIGHT AND AFTER A FEW DAYS CONCLUDED IN HAD TO BE COMING FROM THE ATTACHED GARAGE AND SUBSEQUENTLY AFTER ELIMINATING ALL OTHER VARIABLES I NARROWED IT DOWN TO THE CAR. I PARKED IT OUTSIDE FOR A COUPLE OF NIGHTS AND THE SMELL CEASED IN THE HOUSE AND GARAGE. I THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO POMPANO MERCEDES TO HAVE THEM CHECK IT OUT AND WAS INFORMED MY SEALS WERE BAD/LEAKING AT THE FUEL LINE CONNECTIONS, SO WITHOUT A CHOICE I HAD THEM REPAIRED AT A COST OF $968.21 ON 9/13/2010. THIS RESOLVED THE PROBLEM FOR ABOUT 2 MONTHS, THEN THE GASSY SMELL RETURNED. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO POMPANO MERCEDES AGAIN AND EXPLAINED THAT I HAD THE CAR HAD THE SAME SYMPTOMS OF A GASSY SMELL. THEY CHECKED OUT THE VEHICLE AND INFORMED ME AT THIS TIME I HAD A DIFFERENT FUEL LEAK AND THAT WOULD REQUIRE THEM TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE GAS TANK AND INTERNAL FUEL PUMPS AND SEALS AT A COST OF $3000 THIS TIME. QUITE UNHAPPY WITH THIS DIAGNOSIS CONSIDERING I WAS JUST THERE 2 MONTHS PRIOR AND THOUGHT THEY HAD REPAIRED THE PROBLEM ONLY TO FIND OUT NOW IT WAS MORE ENCOMPASSING THAN THEIR FIRST ATTEMPT AT A FIX AND IT WAS GOING TO COST A BOATLOAD OF MONEY TO RE-REPAIR THE PROBLEM AS I WAS JUST OVER THE 50K WARRANTY TO BOOT. WITH THE NEWS OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY SETTLEMENT AT THIS TIME I STRONGLY FEEL MY VEHICLE ISSUES ARE AS DESCRIBED IN THE CLASS ACTION SUIT AND I SHOULD BE ENTITLED TO REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE $968.21 I SPENT AT MERCEDES DISCRETION. *TR

WHILE DRIVING HOME I SMELT SMOKE. I STOPPED THE CAR TO INVESTIGATE THE SMELL OF SMOKE THAT WAS OVERPOWERING THE NOW NORMAL SCENT OF GAS WHICH FILLED MY VEHICLE CABIN DUE TO A FUEL PUMP LEAK. WHEN I EXITED MY VEHICLE I OPENED UP THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR PASSENGER DOOR TO FIND SMOKE EMITTING FROM THAT AREA. I QUICKLY LEFT THE IMMEDIATE VICINITY OF THE SMOLDERING CAR AND WHEN I TURNED TO LOOK BACK, I SAW FLAMES UNDER MY CAR. I PROCEEDED TOWARDS THE OVERPASS WHILE MOVING AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE ATTEMPTING TO FIND CELLULAR PHONE SIGNAL, I SAW MY CAR NOW BEING ENGULFED IN FLAMES. RE: (ODI NUMBER) IS: 10628900. *TR

THE INTERIOR AND TRUNK OF MY 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ E500 CONTINUE TO FILL WITH GASOLINE VAPORS. *TR