Problem filling the tank

[LuisBoston]

So I've decided something is wrong with my new 1. When I go to fill up the tank, it clicks off at about 3/4 full. When I picked it up in Europe it actually wouldn't even allow me to put gas in it without feathering the pump (which caused me to be inattentive and sprayed gas all over the side of the car and my new shoes right before my flight).

Anyway, any ideas? I was told it might have something to do with the vapor sensor.

Kinda bummed about this on a new car. Service appointment scheduled for Nov 13.

[jkoral]

Search the forums, there are multiple threads on this topic. For most people (myself included) it is intermittent. But there have been a couple times I was almost out of gas (after getting off highway on a trip) and at a gas station and literally could not put fuel into the car -- no matter how light I was on the fuel lever, it continually shut off. I couldn't even get more $2 in gas.

In that case, I was at my destination, so I left the car for 3-4 hours and upon leaving stopped at a different station -- no issues.

If it happens to you every time at every station, it's probably a legitimate problem that they should be able to fix under warranty.

[LuisBoston]

Originally Posted by jkoral

Search the forums, there are multiple threads on this topic. For most people (myself included) it is intermittent. But there have been a couple times I was almost out of gas (after getting off highway on a trip) and at a gas station and literally could not put fuel into the car -- no matter how light I was on the fuel lever, it continually shut off. I couldn't even get more $2 in gas.

In that case, I was at my destination, so I left the car for 3-4 hours and upon leaving stopped at a different station -- no issues.

If it happens to you every time at every station, it's probably a legitimate problem that they should be able to fix under warranty.

It's happened more often than not. I can't have a car that's unreliable to put gas in. It's unacceptable.

[e36addict]

After you drive the car long distances, or aggressively, vapor accumulates in the filler neck causing this issue.. it happens to me all the time with the 1 and my e36.. Just let the car sit for a minute with the gas cap open and you should be ok.

[Andrewcoja]

I think it also depends on the gas station and what kind of fillers they have. In my current car and my last one, I'd go to some gas stations and no matter what, I couldn't get a full tank. Would happen every time I went there. I'd go to a different station and it would work just fine.

[LuisBoston]

Originally Posted by Andrewcoja

I think it also depends on the gas station and what kind of fillers they have. In my current car and my last one, I'd go to some gas stations and no matter what, I couldn't get a full tank. Would happen every time I went there. I'd go to a different station and it would work just fine.

I never once had this problem with my E90 or any other car I've owned or rented. It's not excusable. LOL.

[chiewy]

I found the same issue occurring when I fill up as well since day 1 when I got the car. I've only filled up with Shell V-Power, didn't know this could be an issue I could take up with the dealer.

[sparkyblue]

It's an issue with the gas pump you are using.

I have no issues filling up with almost all pumps, except for one or two specific ones at gas stations I frequent.

Could be the filling rate being faster than usual. Thus kicking it back off.

[MuNkY6913]

Can always use a gas can. Had this happen to me maybe 3-4 times in over 4 years. Was usually gas station specific.

[Mach1er]

I've had this happen a couple of times now, both at the same filling station. It's definitely station-specific.

[CAVU]

Originally Posted by Mach1er

I've had this happen a couple of times now, both at the same filling station. It's definitely station-specific.

+1

This has happened a couple times in my 135is, fortunately never at my normal fill up spot.

I also run into this from time to time with rental cars. Some cars seem to trigger the shutoff more easily than others, so I believe it's a combination of car and pump.

[DSW]

Sounds like the evaporative vent valve is stuck closed

[///Machiavelli]

The few times this has happened to me I've found that pulling the gas pump nozzle out an inch or so from the tank while dispensing fuel, rather than leaving it jammed in all the way has alleviated the problem.

[Cope]

I find pumps with a long ribbed hoses give me the most problems, unfortunately a station on my commute uses these and they have excessively cheap 93 I never get to utilize.

Very rarely do I encounter a pump at say, mobile or citgo, that cuts off prematurely (usually immediately). Repositioning the pump and trying again normally lets me fill up... or I try a different gas station all together. This was the case with both my 1M and my previous 128i.

[Deutsche-Broke]

Originally Posted by Mach1er

I've had this happen a couple of times now, both at the same filling station. It's definitely station-specific.

I disagree.. It's happened multiple times for me at different stations..

I believe its the same reason that I couldn't siphon out of the tank, as I tried a few times because I was too lazy to throw a gas can into my car for the lawn mower.

There is a locking flapper valve in the fuel fill neck that will not allow a "hose" into the fuel tank without locking onto it on the way out. It is basically a "bubble" waiting to get back into the filler neck and stop any fuel transfer..

My suggestion is to pull the filler nozzle out a bit and start slowly.. Then slowly increase the delivery rate.. This will allow the fuel and air to push the valve open and let a smooth delivery of fuel to pass over the valve without it "clicking" off... It's different at every station depending on delivery pressure..

And yes, siphoning off the tank is possible.. But it will cost you to figure it out...

[dcaron9999]

Never had that happened to me before on my other cars of all makes and sizes (including several BMW cars), but had it happened on my 2011 135i a couple of weeks ago. No matter how slowly I would pump the gas in, now matter what position I would place the nozzle, the pump kept shutting off. Before this thread, I thought the gas station was at fault. It sounds like a design flaw with our cars.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Mine does that all the time at 3/4. I do not find it that annoying since i mix e85 so i know how much gallons of each i would like to fill the car with

[dcaron9999]

OP: Please report back when you visit your dealer next week, or if there is maybe some type of PUMA article, or recall going on for this...

[Billup]

This has happened to me. I've noticed it mostly happens when it seems like theres a lot of fluid pressure through the pump. It sounds as if the gas not making it into the tank through the main pipe fast enough to keep up with the flow.

[LuisBoston]

Originally Posted by machiavelli9988

The few times this has happened to me I've found that pulling the gas pump nozzle out an inch or so from the tank while dispensing fuel, rather than leaving it jammed in all the way has alleviated the problem.

Hasn't worked. Tried it all.

Dealer appt next Wednesday. Stay tuned.

[Black Prinz]

Originally Posted by Cope

Happens frequently; my solution, rotate handle about 90 degrees (parallel to ground) and start off with a slow fuel flow rate for about 10-15 sec; rotate back to normal and slowly bring up to full fuel flow. Done.

[LuisBoston]

Update: Car is at the dealer. Dealer is replacing the whole fuel tank due to a faulty sensor on the left side. It's not working at all.