Fuel Cap locking pin

[thepits]

Got to my car the other morning to find the fuel cap open when I next locked the car the pin didn't come through to lock it, and on investigation it appears that some muppet has forced the cap open whilst it was locked so breaking off the end of the pin! :evil:

Very easy to diagnose, but how difficult to replace? Am I right in thinking that I'll have to go under the wheel arch and remove the splash panel to access the mechanism?

All advice gratefully received. Thanks.

 

[bcworkz]

Yes, the splash shield and arch liner need to come out. The splash shield has on semi-hidden fastener in a recess that's hard to see unless the car is on a lift. The rest is fairly obvious.

Not sure if the sleeve the pin comes out of visible next to the filler cap needs to come out. If so, it rotates 45 degrees anti-clockwise to release the retention lugs.

 

[thepits]

Thank you, what a PITA ... all caused by a muppet!

 

[Finisterre]

good to know, our fuel filler cap has never locked since we bought it.

thanks

 

[andysat]

Agree-To$$ers -let us know how it goes will you?

 

[thepits]

Agree-To$$ers -let us know how it goes will you?

Well, I've bought the part [activator - 67.11.6.987.628] which even on 'mates rates' [15% off] was £41.21 :x and when my back is better I'll get round to fitting it. [maybe :roll: ]

 

[The hairy angler]

I had a replacement fuel cap solenoid fitted as part of the work needed when I bought my car. I think the previous owner had forced it when the central locking began to play up. Did not notice it at first. Garage said that it would have been a pain to fit without the car raised. Wheel off,wheel arch liner removed to gain access. My worry was not so much that that muppets would pinch fuel, rather that a handful of gravel / sand would cause mayhem with the fuel tank/system. We seem to be experiencing a spate of vandalism with cars of late. Given the ease with which it seems the fuel flap can be forced I am seriously considering a locking petrol cap.
Regards, The hairy angler.

 

[andysat]

Not a bad idea- dont suppose they are universal fit tho

 

[cj10jeeper]

While I'm not referring to any particular breakage of the locking pin, I do believe they break off themselves when opening and closing, rather than an act of vandalism. that can be fatigue or even because the flap was not fully closed before locking.

Most seem to have the pin broken, or indeed ust fallen out with no evidence of any force, such as a scredriver mark on the paint.

Just a consideration before assuming every Z4 is subject to attempted vandalism, fuel theft, etc.

 

[The hairy angler]

While I'm not referring to any particular breakage of the locking pin, I do believe they break off themselves when opening and closing, rather than an act of vandalism. that can be fatigue or even because the flap was not fully closed before locking.

Most seem to have the pin broken, or indeed ust fallen out with no evidence of any force, such as a scredriver mark on the paint.

Just a consideration before assuming every Z4 is subject to attempted vandalism, fuel theft, etc.

Fair comment. However, from memory, when my garage showed me my old actuator it seemed to have a long nylon cranked pin which engages with a hole in the rear of the fuel flap. Seemed flimsy,t is not a very good design.Could possibly be fatigue but my money is on either trying to force flap closed or open. i believe pin only works when you lock the car.

 

[Grumpyowl]

I had a replacement fuel cap solenoid fitted as part of the work needed when I bought my car. I think the previous owner had forced it when the central locking began to play up. Did not notice it at first. Garage said that it would have been a pain to fit without the car raised. Wheel off,wheel arch liner removed to gain access. My worry was not so much that that muppets would pinch fuel, rather that a handful of gravel / sand would cause mayhem with the fuel tank/system. We seem to be experiencing a spate of vandalism with cars of late. Given the ease with which it seems the fuel flap can be forced I am seriously considering a locking petrol cap.
Regards, The hairy angler.

My flap locks ok despite that I have fitted a locking fuel cap as a belt and braces security.
Too many nob heads about today

 

[cj10jeeper]

While I'm not referring to any particular breakage of the locking pin, I do believe they break off themselves when opening and closing, rather than an act of vandalism. that can be fatigue or even because the flap was not fully closed before locking.

Most seem to have the pin broken, or indeed ust fallen out with no evidence of any force, such as a scredriver mark on the paint.

Just a consideration before assuming every Z4 is subject to attempted vandalism, fuel theft, etc.

Fair comment. However, from memory, when my garage showed me my old actuator it seemed to have a long nylon cranked pin which engages with a hole in the rear of the fuel flap. Seemed flimsy,t is not a very good design.Could possibly be fatigue but my money is on either trying to force flap closed or open. i believe pin only works when you lock the car.

Yes indeed it is a flimsy pin and does fatigue and break off.

We're lucky - on the Jags which I have one of, when they break it locks closed and of course you find out when out of fuel. Be assured that's a bundel of laughs to sort out...

 

[thepits]

Fair comment. However, from memory, when my garage showed me my old actuator it seemed to have a long nylon cranked pin which engages with a hole in the rear of the fuel flap. Seemed flimsy,t is not a very good design.Could possibly be fatigue but my money is on either trying to force flap closed or open. i believe pin only works when you lock the car.

I confirm that the pin only activates when you lock the car - and is only plastic, so not exactly thief-proof :x Now, if it was metal...... :lol:

 

[ben g]

Mines been broken since I bought it. Didn't know any different until someone at work opened my fuel flap and told me.

Expensive repair for just a bit of plastic

 

[Maxsam]

Not a bad idea- dont suppose they are universal fit tho

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LOCKING-PETROL-FUEL-CAP-for-BMW-Z4-04-2003-on-/250854282695?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3a681495c7

 

[Grumpyowl]

Not a bad idea- dont suppose they are universal fit tho

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LOCKING-PETROL-FUEL-CAP-for-BMW-Z4-04-2003-on-/250854282695?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3a681495c7

That's the one I have. Very good for the money