Gas fill up problem - Take it back?

This problem existed for sometime since I bought the car new. When I go fill up gas, something always trips the valve (similar to what happens when the gas tank gets full). I suspect it has something to do with the positioning of the nozzle because when I hold it at a certain angle, it is fine. If I leave it hanging, it will always trip. Anyone else have this problem? Is this an excuse to bring it back?

Originally Posted by spicytofu

This problem existed for sometime since I bought the car new. When I go fill up gas, something always trips the valve (similar to what happens when the gas tank gets full). I suspect it has something to do with the positioning of the nozzle because when I hold it at a certain angle, it is fine. If I leave it hanging, it will always trip. Anyone else have this problem? Is this an excuse to bring it back?

I have this same issue on occasion with my 2007.... drives me nuts.

It could be a fuel tank breather valve sticking. Have you noticed this for a long time, or is it a more recent event brought on by the colder weather? I have encountered this with several cars I own when the weather initially gets cold. It it is a persistent issue the valve may be your issue.

I had the same issues with my 2007 335, but when I took the key fob out of the slot the problem went away, maybe has to do with the key in the key slot

try filling without the fob in the slot

Hondo

Both my wife's 2011 335is and my 2006 Z4 M Roadster behave the same way. We noticed this when the 335is was brand new (although not with the European nozzles). When I fill the M Roadster I squeeze the nozzle, engage the hold-open clip, and then grab the rubber hose where it enters the nozzle and hold it up. This works every time.

BTW, BMW is not the only manufacturer with this problem. Try Googling "gas nozzle". It will auto-suggest "gas nozzle keeps shutting off". Select that and you'll find complaints from owners of many different makes and models.

P.S. There is no reason why leaving the fob in the slot would make any difference whatsoever. This is called "superstitious behavior", when a particular action apparently achieves a particular result, so it's believed that the result is achieved only by that action, even though the two are completely unrelated. It's probably just coincidental.

Originally Posted by Garrison5

It could be a fuel tank breather valve sticking. Have you noticed this for a long time, or is it a more recent event brought on by the colder weather? I have encountered this with several cars I own when the weather initially gets cold. It it is a persistent issue the valve may be your issue.

yes you are spot on, this is happening more since its colder. So it is a valve? Maybe I should bring it back. I dont want them to send me home thinking im nuts.

Originally Posted by SD Z4MR

Both my wife's 2011 335is and my 2006 Z4 M Roadster behave the same way. We noticed this when the 335is was brand new (although not with the European nozzles). When I fill the M Roadster I squeeze the nozzle, engage the hold-open clip, and then grab the rubber hose where it enters the nozzle and hold it up. This works every time.

BTW, BMW is not the only manufacturer with this problem. Try Googling "gas nozzle". It will auto-suggest "gas nozzle keeps shutting off". Select that and you'll find complaints from owners of many different makes and models.

P.S. There is no reason why leaving the key in the fob would make any difference whatsoever. This is called "superstitious behavior", when a particular action apparently achieves a particular result, so it's believed that the result is achieved only by that action, even though the two are completely unrelated. It's probably just coincidental.

I highly doubt a FOB would cause it. I always leave it in. In the summer its less of an issue, sometimes maybe trips once. Now since its colder, I cannot let it go. The station employee thought I was forcing gas in after it tripped more than 10 times as i kept trying to fill it. Would this be a cause for me to bring it in? If this is normal behavior (and I believe it shouldnt be) then they will just tell me to go home lol.

If the problem is pretty much every fill up at different pumps, take it to the dealer. If it occurs intermittently or only at a particular pump, try rotating the nozzle 90 degrees.

Has happened a few times over the years on our five BMWs. Usually just reposition the hose in the tank neck slightly to 'fix' it. I've never really figured out what causes it to trip early. It always seems to work eventually though.

Originally Posted by Towelie

If the problem is pretty much every fill up at different pumps, take it to the dealer. If it occurs intermittently or only at a particular pump, try rotating the nozzle 90 degrees.

Nope tried all that rotating, half way in, BS. I should not have to go though that to pump gas. Its embarrassing for people to stare at you having problems with the stereotype this car brings. I guess I will take it back. I realized that I never brought the car in for service so i do not have an SA. Should I give them a heads up? (I did email my CA) If they want to take a look, i dont have time to wait for them, Im going to need a loaner.

Originally Posted by MMME30W

Has happened a few times over the years on our five BMWs. Usually just reposition the hose in the tank neck slightly to 'fix' it. I've never really figured out what causes it to trip early. It always seems to work eventually though.

It was about once every one or two fill ups. That was during warmer weather. Now its happening every 4 secs, I cant even get gas in.

Originally Posted by spicytofu

It was about once every one or two fill ups. That was during warmer weather. Now its happening every 4 secs, I cant even get gas in.

Yeah that does not sound normal.

Well I made an appointment to bring it in. Will update on what they find out. My CA says his 2013 328 does that as well but, like me, he just ignores it.

Do you top off the tank?


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Originally Posted by hondo402000

I had the same issues with my 2007 335, but when I took the key fob out of the slot the problem went away, maybe has to do with the key in the key slot

try filling without the fob in the slot

Comfort Access here -- zero problems.

Happened to me when I first got my car. I read on other forums that it has to do with the angle of the pump sometimes and to turn the pump clockwise or counterclockwise. I actually use another tip I saw which is to not clip the auto-fill to the highest position (which would theoretically hold the handle highest and fill the gas up quickest). I just clip on the first notch to auto-fill my tank. It takes a little bit longer but I haven't had any problems since with the clip unhinging before my tank fills all the way up.

Be glad you don't live in jersey. When it happens to me the attendant is usually no where to be found. I either have to wait until they wonder back or illegally get out of the car and restart it myself.

No i do not top off the tank. The CA told me never to do that. I have tried all angles, half-in etc, still cuts off. It will be going in today in exchange for a loaner.

Funny, it has been happening since I bought it (less often however), but I never complained. Now it happens so much, I have to say something.

Take it back. I had the same thing with my wife's X5. It kept getting worse and worse.

In the worst case scenario you will ignore it, then over fill it, and pump gas down the ventalation tube and ruin the charcoal canister... have a gas smell for days... get it serviced 4 times, barely have an answwer and then just have to start replacing costly parts until you get lucky.....not that I know abut that....

I had the same issues only happened when my kids where in the car. :o) realized that that's the only time I left the keys in the car. Amazing how it doesn't do it now

Well I just got a 2013 328xi loaner. I have not driven the new 328's yet so this is new to me. Steering feels weird, like im driving a lexus. Eco pro sucks lol. The nav is better, not sure if this is the new updated version? The auto tranny shifter looks like a DCT but i know 328's dont have DCT. Anyone have input regarding to this? It does not have the sport auto (no paddles) and I believe it is a Standard Line but it is loaded.

Originally Posted by spicytofu

This problem existed for sometime since I bought the car new. When I go fill up gas, something always trips the valve (similar to what happens when the gas tank gets full). I suspect it has something to do with the positioning of the nozzle because when I hold it at a certain angle, it is fine. If I leave it hanging, it will always trip. Anyone else have this problem? Is this an excuse to bring it back?

No issue here. Then again, nor Maryland.

Do you mean take back for service or buyback?

So they told me the SULEV has a special tube that restricts the gas flowing in. I was asked to gas up at the half throttle instead of going full blast. Its like telling me my engine has problems above 4k rpms so do go above that.... Anyways, I will try it at half-flow and see. My memory is fuzzy, but I believe I may have already tried that.

So I had this problem with my car. Then one day the fuel gauge went from 3/4 full to empty in the space of about 30 seconds. Plus the MPG was showing only 16.5 per gallon which is extremely less than I normally get. Took the car (under warranty) to the dealer. They replaced the entire fuel tank! Should I be worried? I've only had this car (2010 e90) for about a month.