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How do you open the gas tank on a BMW 323i?

I had to borrow a friend’s car unexpectedly for the day, but I promised to gas it up for her before bringing it back. The only problem is, I really can’t figure out how to open this gas tank, and she’s not answering her phone. How do you open the gas tank on a BMW 323i?

avatar
Kathryn Mae Kurlychek · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
To open the gas tank on a
BMW 323i
, all you have to do is press down on the fuel-filler door. Just be sure that your vehicle is parked, your engine is turned off, and the doors are unlocked before attempting to access the tank. Otherwise, the fuel-filler door may not open.
Most BMW gas tanks are designed to operate the same way—popping open with the press to the outer cover. As an added safety measure, the latch won’t release under unsafe conditions, which is why you need to first park your car and unlock the doors before opening the tank. Not only does this allow for safe fueling, but it also prevents anyone else from tampering with the tank or taking your fuel.
Once you press on the fuel filler door, it’s designed to open just enough for you to pull it back, revealing the gas cap. Just unscrew the cap and insert the pump to fuel up.
If you’re still having problems opening the fuel-filler door, it could be that there’s an underlying issue, such as the latch being stuck. If that’s the case, you may be able to manually release the latch by accessing the lock from inside your car’s battery tray—typically located in the
trunk
. Otherwise, you may need to bring your BMW to a dealership or mechanic for further help.
MORE: Are BMWs expensive to maintain?
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