Annoying problem while fueling

[EJT86]

So I have this irritating problem every time I go to the gas station while fueling it’s like the neck is too narrow and the fuel backs up making the pump stop. It used to only happen at certain gas stations but now it happens everywhere. As soon as I start the pump 5secs and it stops. It takes me 10min to fill the tank cuz I have to hold the trigger at the lowest flow and I constantly rust overfilling and spilling gas everywhere. I’ve tried holding the pump half way in, or with more pressure, angles it toward me or away and nothing works.

Anyone else have this problem or more importantly, a tip or fix?

[ItsGary]

I'd have this happen at times also, I simply just stop filling and drive around a bit and go to a different gas station, but its happened to me at gas stations where I've completely filled up before

[BOOF-M3]

OP, potentially something is clogged in the filler neck.

[WingZeroX5]

Happened to me a few times, but it was the station's pump issue.

[EJT86]

Originally Posted by ItsGary

I'd have this happen at times also, I simply just stop filling and drive around a bit and go to a different gas station, but its happened to me at gas stations where I've completely filled up before

Originally Posted by WingZeroX5

Happened to me a few times, but it was the station's pump issue.

Yea same thing. It happened at a closer gas station and figured it was the pumps fault so I went back to an old one that it didn’t happen at and it did it again. Idk maybe keep trying new gas stations smh I used to be able to give it a little clockwise or counter clockwise turn while pumping and it would fill properly

[EJT86]

Originally Posted by BOOF-M3

OP, potentially something is clogged in the filler neck.

What could’ve gotten in there? I’ve never forgotten to close the cap all the way

[DSilk]

I have had this problem, albeit very rarely. Typically the issue is with the pump itself, not the car.

[deansbimmer]

There is a one way baffle/door at the base of the filler tube inside the tank. It's there to prevent gas theft and prevent slosh. It's on a hinge and I've seen that hinge get crusty which prevents the flap from opening all the way. That will cause the situation you're seeing.

[BOOF-M3]

Originally Posted by EJT86

What could’ve gotten in there? I’ve never forgotten to close the cap all the way

Deans observation makes the most sense if it's happening at several stations.

[strokemycocktus]

I've had this exact problem but to a greater extent, I had to fuel it with 1-2 liters and take a break or the pump would stop. Turned out that the charcoal filter was clogged. Replacing it solved the issue immediately.
Part number 16 13 7 163 596
Only the US models have it and it's quite pricey for a shitty piece of plastic with activated carbon inside. It's located behind the left rear wheel.

[HerbNRacer]

I have this problem with my Land Rover and occasionally on the ///M. In my case the Rover is very picky on the angle you have the nozzle at and the ///M always looks like I have the nozzle in all the way but I end up having to really stuff that thing in there farther than I expected.

My guess is you know how to put gas in and you’re not a jackass like me. Perhaps there is a venting issue with tank causing the pump to shut down. (As mentioned above) Keep us posted.

[EJT86]

Originally Posted by deansbimmer

There is a one way baffle/door at the base of the filler tube inside the tank. It's there to prevent gas theft and prevent slosh. It's on a hinge and I've seen that hinge get crusty which prevents the flap from opening all the way. That will cause the situation you're seeing.

Is there any fix for this that you know of? Maybe a wire coat hanger?

[deansbimmer]

Originally Posted by EJT86

Is there any fix for this that you know of? Maybe a wire coat hanger?

Maybe. A coat hanger might move it but the only real fix is removal and repair. Have to drain the tank and remove the filler neck to investigate the fix.

[strokemycocktus]

I would suggest to inspect the charcoal filter. Much easier as you only need to remove the left wheel and the wheel well. Once you take it out you simply need to blow to each hole and check if there is no obstruction in any of them (the air needs to pass between all of them).
I had my whole fuel tank with hoses taken apart just to realize I needed to replace this filter, so I would suggest starting there

[deansbimmer]

Yes. Seevin's suggestion is quite possible and much easier to assess.

[KingFishy]

Originally Posted by deansbimmer

Yes. Seevin's suggestion is quite possible and much easier to assess.

I had this problem at only one station on the same pump. The attendant turned the pump handle upside down (90 degrees) and it was fine.

[EJT86]

Originally Posted by seevin

I would suggest to inspect the charcoal filter. Much easier as you only need to remove the left wheel and the wheel well. Once you take it out you simply need to blow to each hole and check if there is no obstruction in any of them (the air needs to pass between all of them).
I had my whole fuel tank with hoses taken apart just to realize I needed to replace this filter, so I would suggest starting there

Yea you’re probably right I was just hoping I could get away with a quick trick rather than spend a few hundred dollars just to gas up like a normal person.

[drrust]

I've found that if you reposition the nozzle by pulling it out a little, the pump will stay on. I think that works for cases where it is a pump issue.

[Flying Ace]

My issue is then opposite. I usually have a problem pulling out

[EJT86]

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

My issue is then opposite. I usually have a problem pulling out

Burning sensation and redness too?

[Jonzny]

Only happens at certain pumps, attendant told me it happens w a lot of newer BMWs.

Whenever it does happen though they just insert the nozzle upside down, and it doesn't lock up early

[kyippee]

Had the same issue with my E46 M3 IIRC. I simply hold the gas nozzle and pull it upwards while filling. Works well.