[Nanometer]

Hey Everyone!

I picked up a used 530E recently, and while I did have a few month in warranty for issues to pop up, unfortunately for me this one missed the window by 4 months.

My charging door is open, which actually kind of sucks because if I want to drive it, then I would look like one of those people who forget to close their gas cap, though its a charging door in this case. See picture below. The latch which holds the door shut has been finicky for a week or so. And while I did manage to get the door open that one time, my efforts to clean the area well and try and lubricate things inadvertently pushed the latching mechanism to the in/closed position, also pictured below and in red.

I have tried many combinations of locking and unlocking the car as well as using the ripcord that is supposed to release...something. But so far to not avail. I do believe the mechanism either needs cleaning (no access installed in the the car) or replacing.

Has anyone seen the locking mechanism stuck closed like this? any advice for how to get it out? My google searches have come up pretty empty handed which leads me to believe this is not a common problem, more joy for me.

Appreciate anyone's insight in advance!

[fdawg4l]

Same thing happened to me. Found a post online but explaining it is easier than looking for it.

Push the black locking mechanism all the way in with your finger. Doesn’t need much force but far enough such as it would be if the flap were closed. While holding it in, grab your key fob and hit the lock and unlock a few times. Let go of the mechanism and it should spring back into place.

This is an indication that the actuator to the flap will need to be replaced soon. But this should get you going. Good luck!

[druuber]

Dear All, I have another problem with fuel door. I have recently bought 530D and fuel door doesnt blocked when i close the car. Can you help how to solve this problem?

[540iSUP]

Hey guys, I recently ran into this situation with my fuel door on 540i and its super embarrassing. Its an easy fix though!

You need to go to ECS tuning or FCP and look up "Gas Door Pot" I suggest looking at RealOEM. I'm pretty sure it's the same thing for the Charging door, just a different name. The unit is one piece, so it comes with the servo already installed.

To replace it, you need to take off the wheel and wheel liner. The gas door pot is one piece, this includes the rubber gaskets, the plastic door, and the servo. Unbolt the gas spout and remove the rubber gasket. The entire assembly will come out. Remove the gas door from the gas pot and replace with the new one. Install takes 10 mins, maybe another 10 mins to take off the tire and get the car jacked up.

The Cover Pot is around $70.

[LogicalApex]

I had the part fail on my 530e. It worked, but inside the car it would say the door was open when closed. The dealership replaced the part under warranty. It is ~$70 as a part. I am unsure labor or complexity. The painted cover comes off so you can replace it without needing paint.

Part # 51177387935

[540iSUP]

I can tell you from personal experience that it is incredibly easy to replace that part. If you can put together Legos, you can replace this part.

[Nanometer]

Eventually figured it out! but theres very little info around..

when the door is stuck closed you can shove plastic panel remover tool between the hinge point on the door and basically slide it back towards the rear of the car, it will go! and then drill out the 4 spots that are divot-ed and then push the retaining clip out of the way on the four spots... from there it should be easy to do the rest... hope this helps someone and if not let me know and ill elaborate.

[540iSUP]

Nice! I bet it was a lot easier than you expected it to be.