Filling up

[davidn]

Just picked up an X5 my first BMW (nice) and struggling to get fuel into the thing. So far I've tried 3 different garages and every angle and speed of delivery. All the same, anything over a litre/10-15 secs. and the pump clicks out. Took me nearly 10 mins to get 3/4's of a tank in. Is there a knack I have yet to aquire (don't say patience)? or is it just me?
Cheers
David

[off_again]

Never heard of that one before....

Considering most of the X5 is from the E38/39 range, I must say I never have any problems. Mind you the fuel tank will be different I suppose. Seems strange - any X5 owners care to comment?

[stockhatcher]

don't put the filling nozzle all the way into the tank.

[derin100]

You're certainly not alone with this problem. On fast pumps I have the same problem on both my E30 M3 and my E39 523i and it's a pain in the a$$ especially when you're already late for work!

I tried varying angles, withdrawing the nozzle a little etc...finally on the E39 I've found the thing that works is to turn the COMPLETELY upside down.

Give that a go next time and see if it works on your X5.

Edited by derin100 on Sunday 15th October 11:02

[fixedwheelnut]

It should just be a matter of getting used to how far and what angle you put the nozzle in, the only two times I have encountered cars with a real problem were when the small plastic support for resting the cap in on the flap has fallen in and restricted the pipe, is it missing ?

[Zod]

I've had this problem with every BMW I've owned, but only in the UK. In Germany, I can stick the nozzle lin, lock the trigger and stand around trying to look cool.

[Dino D]

Zod said:

In Germany, I can stick the nozzle lin, lock the trigger and stand around trying to look cool.

I've never had a major problem filling my e46 but did notice that it doesn't like to the nozzle squezed completely open.

At the risk of hijacking the thread, Why is it in the UK we can't be trusted to have a trigger lock on the pumps...

Its the same with the LPG pumps. It locks onto to the car but you have to stand the and hold the button down until it is full....I can think of far better things to do than hold onto the trigger like:
*check the oil
*clear out the rubbish
*top up screen wash
*enjoy a quick fag!!

[davidn]

Thanks for the ideas chaps, had a look nothing seems to be missing or fallen in, so I'll try a few new positions when next on the forecourt. If anyone see's me I would apprecaite marks out of 10 for artistic impression and technical difficulty.
Cheers
David

[dan101smith]

I've got exactly the same problem with me E36 M3 - was fine for a while, then every pump in Germany took 15mins+ to fill the tank with it clicking off, and now it's started again back here.

Is there anything that can be done? I've tried pulling the nozzle out, but petrol doesn't work as well when it's on your shoes...

[Andrew D]

I have the same problem with my Z4. I think it's as a result of the mental speeds at which the pumps are set to deliver the fuel. It seems to cause a pond of bubbles to develop under the nozzle and trigger the cut off. I originally rotated the pump ninety degrees, which worked but was annoying. Now I just push down on the back of the handle so as to lift the front of the nozzle within the socket, and it seems to work.

In order to guarantee correct functioning, might I recommmend the careful posture that I use when fueling the car. Holding the pump in the left hand, raise the right hand behind your head. Then take your weight into the right leg, and bend the left leg ninety degrees at the knee.

[davidn]

Andrew D said:

I have the same problem with my Z4. I think it's as a result of the mental speeds at which the pumps are set to deliver the fuel. It seems to cause a pond of bubbles to develop under the nozzle and trigger the cut off. I originally rotated the pump ninety degrees, which worked but was annoying. Now I just push down on the back of the handle so as to lift the front of the nozzle within the socket, and it seems to work.

In order to guarantee correct functioning, might I recommmend the careful posture that I use when fueling the car. Holding the pump in the left hand, raise the right hand behind your head. Then take your weight into the right leg, and bend the left leg ninety degrees at the knee.

Now I see the picure it's so obvious where I've been going wrong, that really should be in the manual.

[Rev Dogbolter]

From memory (a long time ago) my old car had a tank air vent. This allows the tank to vent air whilst being filled. It comes out the top of the tank and is lead to a position higher than the filler cap and then back down to vent to the atmosphere somewhere around the rear wheel arch (if it didn't go higher than the filler cap then fuel could run out during filling.) The problem I had was that the vent pipe got clogged with mud and it would take forever to fill the tank. Once I cleared the mud off all problems disappeared. I don't know if newer BMWs have such a system now that they have accident cut-off switches etc.

I pray this advice may help you in your hour of need.

Reverend Dogbolter