x5 35d Fuel flap stuck

[Platinum Child]

So I went to fill up and the fuel door opens fine, the cap comes off fine, but the metal flap in the fuel hose will not budge. I cant move it at all. Can't fuel up and the dealer does not a have a loaner for 2 weeks. Has this happened to anyone, is there a way to remove/repair it?

Thanks

[unluky]

Screwdriver handle and a small mallet? Turn the screwdriver around so you don't scratching up the flat and tap it a few times? Maybe just stuck.

[Speed25]

This will sound wrong, but...try another station. I had exactly the same thing happen to me and tried everything I could (screwdrivers, knives, force, etc.). Finally, I sat in the car doing searches on the iPad and found the answer. Some stations have older nozzles that that aren’t quite the right size and won’t trigger the flap. Next station (and every one since) the nozzle slid right in.

[Platinum Child]

I figured that out shortly after. Just puzzles me because I use the same gas station all the time. I used both my fingers to trigger both tabs to release it and it works fine.

[Clifton]

You may just need to try a different station or buy a BMW nozzle adapter. I've found the 50% of the stations in my area have the small "Gas" nozzles on the diesel pumps. Our Diesels have a built-in protection system meant to keep you from using gas nozzle which have a smaller diameter.

Details - Incorrect Fuel Protection


Click Me - Nozzle Adapter Kit

[StewtheBassman]

Thanks for the info. I had noticed the gate a little sticky lately and my daughter tried two stations today before finally getting lucky at a third one....the diesel was cheaper there too!

Oh, and some man 'splained to her that she was at the diesel pump hahahahah!!!

[Variante Alta]

Originally Posted by StewtheBassman

Thanks for the info. I had noticed the gate a little sticky lately and my daughter tried two stations today before finally getting lucky at a third one....the diesel was cheaper there too!

Oh, and some man 'splained to her that she was at the diesel pump hahahahah!!!

Yes, same has happened with my 35d - certain stations’ pump nozzles are not quite to spec somehow and won’t open the flap or will with much tapping and manoevering. And yes, I’ve had a few people look at me sideways pulling up to the diesel pump “BMW makes diesels??” Haha…laughing all the way to 1100 kms between fills!

[Clifton]

Keep one of these in your trunk. Comes in a twist off capsule with gloves.

$10 Amazon or ECS Tuning

Only down side to using them is they disable the the auto overflow shutoff. This results in an overfilled tank with Diesel everywhere. Ask me how I know....