[Yersinia]

Hi y'all,

Currently have the car charging but was previously able to push in and out the actuator mechanism holding the flap in.

Today, pushed in the actuator while charging and it won't come out... thoughts? Kinda freaking out now that the flap may never close. Tried pushing in while locked vs unlocked status. I just haven't removed the charging cable because I really need the charge.

Thanks friends

[SteveX3M40i]

Probably linked to the mechanism that stops you (or somebody) from removing the charge cable whist the car is still charging.
Once charging has finished and you remove the cable properly - I suspect everything will go back to normal!
Please come back here and confirm whether my theory is correct - it will help others in the future if they see the same problem.

[Yersinia]

Fixed! It was after removing the charging cable and unlocking the car did it pop out. Important to note, this occurred before charging cable was placed in the car so the car will lock that actuator when entering charging mode but BEFORE the cable is placed. Therefore locking mechanism at work when car is entering charging prior to physical cable placed in.

[Aeromac]

I had this, it's the small cylindrical actuator that pushes out and rotates to lock the charge flap cover. The car started to give intermittent warnings that the flap was not closed when driving.

The actuator seemed to be stiff and wouldn't always rotate to engage the lock. Eventually it failed when LOCKED and would not open at all.

There is no manual emergency release!??!

Mobile BMW mechanic forced the flap (and broke the actuator) Car was towed to the dealer and the flap mechanism replaced after 2 days.

[Paladin1]

Interesting point on the manual release - I seem to recall there was one in my X5 in the cargo compartment. Anyone know if there’s one in any EV manufacturered today? Seems like a pretty good idea....

[Bevforme]

Originally Posted by Paladin1

Interesting point on the manual release - I seem to recall there was one in my X5 in the cargo compartment. Anyone know if there’s one in any EV manufacturered today? Seems like a pretty good idea....

Audi e-tron (Q8) has a manual release for each charge point door.

[SteveX3M40i]

Our Tesla Model 3 Performance has a manual release for the charging flap!

[Young04]

No manual release in i4 either. Many more there (than here) are reporting stuck charging port doors. Seems like a cost-cutting measure that backfired and is likely to cost more in warranty work/repairs.