[Pitkis]

I today had fuel tank cover problems, again. I opened the tank as usual and followed that the sign appears on the screen. And all went fine. But when I went to open the cover with gas pistol, it partially opened but cover was stuck with locking system so that I couldn't open it. I tried to open cover again by pushing opening button many times with no success. Then I manually disassembled the complete tank cover unit again and refueled my car. There were battery and fuel left for 50 km drive when this happened. This was second similar incident for me and we had also one experience from this in UK earlier.

Keep this in mind that you may have to use force if cover release system get stuck. I could not find emergency release lever from the car and had no time to leaf through the manual. But I think this lever won't help anyway if there is a mechanical problem in cover that allows locking opening but doesn't let you open it completely?

[Carac]

Originally Posted by Pitkis

I today had fuel tank cover problems, again. I opened the tank as usual and followed that the sign appears on the screen. And all went fine. But when I went to open the cover with gas pistol, it partially opened but cover was stuck with locking system so that I couldn't open it. I tried to open cover again by pushing opening button many times with no success. Then I manually disassembled the complete tank cover unit again and refueled my car. There were battery and fuel left for 50 km drive when this happened. This was second similar incident for me and we had also one experience from this in UK earlier.

Keep this in mind that you may have to use force if cover release system get stuck. I could not find emergency release lever from the car and had no time to leaf through the manual. But I think this lever won't help anyway if there is a mechanical problem in cover that allows locking opening but doesn't let you open it completely?

Is there any adjustability in the hinge for the cover? Sounds like it may not be lining up right.

[Pitkis]

Originally Posted by Carac

Is there any adjustability in the hinge for the cover? Sounds like it may not be lining up right.

Maybe, I have to check it. I've tested this cover mechanism about 20 times and otherwise it works fully ok.

I just want to warn you about this in beforehand. Be prepared and keep this in your mind. Give i8 to your wife and get a call that she can't refill...and it's hurry to go on. Yeah right. At least refill i8 by yourself for the first 10-20 times to see it really works.

[JasH]

It is not an adjustment issue. When I experienced it, it was definitely that the car would not unlock it electrically. Software or perhaps a sensor issue (for pressure)?

[Pitkis]

Originally Posted by JasH

It is not an adjustment issue. When I experienced it, it was definitely that the car would not unlock it electrically. Software or perhaps a sensor issue (for pressure)?

And it's hard to adjust when it works ok always when you try it, even a dozen times in a row, but once in a two weeks fails. How to adjust?!

[JasH]

Best thing is to report it to your dealer as a Warranty issue. If they get a lot of similar complaints they will likely find the cause, and fix it quicker.

We can expect plenty of such software/sensor/electric issues for a few months I think, with such a radical new car.

[Tilum]

I second Jas' suggestions/comments. The more people that report issues like these, the quicker the manufacturer tends to take note and find a solution. It's certainly not uncommon for new cars to have a few teething issues, especially on new models, and what with all the tech in the i8 it would be surprising if it didn't have any issues at all (although obviously it would be a welcome surprise LOL.

[Carac]

Originally Posted by JasH

Best thing is to report it to your dealer as a Warranty issue. If they get a lot of similar complaints they will likely find the cause, and fix it quicker.

We can expect plenty of such software/sensor/electric issues for a few months I think, with such a radical new car.

It can't be worse than the first X5. We got the first 4.4 sport my dealer got and good god was it an electrical gremlin factory. I'm going in eyes wide open that I'll be beta testing many aspects of the car.

[Pitkis]

Originally Posted by JasH

Best thing is to report it to your dealer as a Warranty issue. If they get a lot of similar complaints they will likely find the cause, and fix it quicker.

I did it already. Funny thing is that the problem appeared at the same gas station I have visited twice - both times with cover failure, otherwise always work. I never go back there again...

[Pitkis]

Today this appeared again. But now in easier form - fuel tank cover gave up after 3-4 mild pulls and I didn't need to disassemble the whole unit. When I checked closely, the cover gave up about 1 cm but remained secured & didn't open completely. Electronics did work and there happened some kind of like release, but I think it was mechanical failure that prevented the full release of cover. I've now driven well over 8000 km and this was 3rd and easiest time. Maybe it's fading away...

[Tilum]

What are the dealership/BMW doing about it @Pitkis?

[JWDnl]

The emergency release is behind the cover in the (lower) boot on the right if I remember correctly.

I found it last week but didn't really pay attention to it, mine is working fine .

[Pitkis]

Originally Posted by Tilum

What are the dealership/BMW doing about it @Pitkis?

Right now nothing, I have reported them and we will check this during the first scheduled maintenance. When this is now official, I don't know if recall might change the plan. I don't have service in my home country, so it's pretty complicated.