BMW X4 Fuel Flap Malfunction Causing Multiple System Issues

Hey there! I have some experience working on cars and had a similar issue with my 2017 BMW X3. The symptoms were pretty much identical, fuel flap acting up and getting those annoying error messages. Took it to my regular workshop and turned out the linkage mechanism for the fuel flap was defective. Had to get the whole assembly replaced, which set me back about 210 Euro. The repair wasn't too complicated, but definitely needed professional tools and expertise. What engine variant does your X4 have? I'd also like to know if you're getting any specific error codes on your dash. This info would help me share more relevant details from my experience. The issue could be electrical too, so it's worth checking those details before assuming it's the same problem I had.

Thanks for sharing your experience! I have the gasoline variant, and yeah, those symptoms sound really similar to what I'm experiencing. My X4 just hit 86716 KM on the odometer, and it's been pretty reliable until this started happening after my latest service. I'm getting error messages about the central locking system too, which makes me think it might be more than just the fuel flap mechanism. Good to know about the potential repair costs, definitely helps me prepare for what might be coming. Did your repair solve all the related issues at once?

Hey again! Yes, when I got my X3 fixed, it actually solved all the related issues in one go. The central locking system errors you mentioned really ring a bell, I had those too, which initially made me think it was a bigger electrical problem. But it turned out that the faulty fuel flap mechanism was triggering these additional error messages in the system. Just to add to my previous reply, after the repair, I haven't had any issues for the past 18 months. The workshop told me this is actually a somewhat common problem in our BMW models, especially after they hit the 80,000 km mark. Since your X4 is at 86,716 km, it's right in that typical range where these things start acting up. One thing I learned though, if you're getting it fixed, make sure they check the wiring harness connected to the mechanism too. In my case, they found some slight wear on the wires while doing the repair. They fixed that as well, which probably prevented future issues. The whole thing took about 3 hours in the workshop, and I've had smooth sailing since then. Let me know what you end up finding out when you get it checked. Always curious to hear if these issues play out the same way in different models!

Thanks so much for all the detailed info! Really appreciate you taking the time to explain everything, especially about the wiring harness check, that's super helpful. I've actually just booked it in for next week at my local BMW specialist. Feeling much more confident now knowing what to expect and that it's a known issue around this mileage. It's actually a relief to hear your repair fixed everything in one go and you haven't had problems since. Those central locking errors were really making me nervous about potential electrical issues, so knowing it could all be related to the fuel flap mechanism is reassuring. Will definitely make sure they check the wiring harness too, don't want to miss anything while they're in there. I'll probably update this thread once I get it fixed, just in case someone else runs into the same problem. Thanks again for sharing your experience, it's exactly the kind of real-world feedback I was hoping for!