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lennyschroeder8

BMW i8 Fuel Door Won't Lock, Common Causes & Fixes

Fault stored

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Locking or unlocking the fuel filler flap is no longer possible

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Some functions of the vehicle are not available

Need help: 2015 BMW i8 Hybrid fuel flap malfunction Having issues with my i8 where the fuel flap won't lock or unlock. Getting error messages and several vehicle functions aren't working properly. Has anyone dealt with this issue before? Would appreciate hearing about your repair experience and what the actual problem turned out to be. Looking for workshop solutions that worked for you.

4 comment(s)


lina_tiger1

Hey there! I have some experience working on hybrid cars and had a similar issue with my 2017 BMW i3. The fuel door problem is quite annoying, I know exactly what you're talking about. Had this happen to me and it turned out to be a defective linkage mechanism in the fuel door. My local workshop diagnosed it and fixed it, cost me around 210 Euro. They had to replace the entire locking mechanism since these electronic components are usually integrated. Before spending money though, are you getting any specific error codes? Does the central locking still work normally? Have you tried manually releasing the fuel door using the emergency release? Let me know these details and I might be able to help more specifically. Sometimes it can be just a software glitch that needs resetting.

lennyschroeder8 (Author)

Thanks for the detailed response! Yes, I'm experiencing similar symptoms to what you described. My i8 (93844 KM on the odometer) had its latest service just two months ago, but this issue started happening last week. The central locking is actually working fine, but I'm getting a "Fuel filler flap malfunction" error on the dash. I tried the emergency release cable behind the side panel, but it's not helping either. The weird part is that other functions like climate control and infotainment keep glitching when this error appears. Did your repair actually fix all the connected issues? Just trying to figure out if I should expect this to be a simple fix or prepare for a bigger repair job.

lina_tiger1

Hey again! Thanks for the additional details about your i8. You know, your situation sounds even more similar to what I dealt with now that you've explained it further. With my i3, replacing the fuel door mechanism did fix most of the connected issues, but I actually had to go back to the workshop a second time because they initially missed that the wiring harness was also partially damaged. Those glitchy climate and infotainment issues you mentioned? Had exactly the same thing, it's because the fuel door system is connected to the car's central electronics module. Given what you're describing with the emergency release not working either, I'm pretty confident it's more than just the actuator. In my case, the total fix ended up being pricier than I first mentioned, closer to 500 Euro for everything including the wiring, but it sorted out all those unusual electronic glitches completely. Quick tip from my experience, have them check the wiring connections first before just swapping parts. Could save you some money if it's just a loose connection or pinched wire. Would hate to see you replace parts unnecessarily like I did on my first repair attempt. Let me know how it goes, really curious if your issue turns out similar to mine!

lennyschroeder8 (Author)

Thanks so much for sharing your experience, this is exactly the kind of detailed insight I was hoping for! That's really helpful to know about the wiring harness potentially being the culprit, especially since I'm having those similar electronic glitches. I definitely don't want to go through multiple repair attempts like you did. I'll make sure to mention the wiring connection issue when I take it in for repair tomorrow. It's actually relieving to hear that fixing the whole thing sorted out all your electronic glitches too. Even though 500 Euro isn't cheap, at least I can go in knowing roughly what to expect cost-wise and that there's likely a proper solution. Really appreciate you taking the time to explain everything so thoroughly. Will update you once I get it checked out and see if it matches what you experienced with your i3. Thanks again for all the help!

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