How to Open the Fuel Tank Cap of a BMW 5 Series?
4 Answers
Method to open the fuel tank cap of a BMW 5 Series: The fuel tank cap of the BMW 5 Series is controlled by the central locking system. It cannot be opened when the car is locked. There is a button on the left side of the driver's seat to open the fuel tank cap. Press the button when the car is unlocked to open the fuel tank cap. The BMW 5 Series is a model under the BMW brand, with body dimensions of 4998mm in length, 1901mm in width, and 1559mm in height, and a wheelbase of 3070mm. In terms of appearance, the BMW 5 Series features a large, one-piece kidney grille that exudes more presence. The adaptive LED headlights with BMW Dynamic Beam technology replace the hexagonal design with a simple and slender 'L-shaped' light strip, complemented by the new BMW Laserlight with blue laser, giving it a vibrant and dynamic look.
I've driven several generations of the BMW 5 Series, and honestly, opening the fuel tank cap is super simple—the key is that the car must be unlocked. With the car unlocked, step out and walk to the fuel tank cap, then simply press the fuel tank door with your hand, and it will pop open automatically. This is the most common method and applies to most models, especially those from recent years. If your car is a high-end version, there might be a small button on the inner side of the driver's door or on the center console that unlocks the fuel tank cap when pressed. Remember to turn off the engine before refueling to avoid any risks. If you encounter a situation where it won't open, don’t force it—first check if the doors are truly unlocked (sometimes the cap won’t budge if the lock isn’t disengaged). I recommend regularly cleaning around the fuel tank cap to prevent dust buildup that could cause sticking, which helps extend its lifespan.
When I first got my BMW 5 Series, I was still figuring out these little operations. Opening the fuel tank cover is child's play. After unlocking the car (with the manual key or remote), just press lightly on the outer side of the fuel tank cover, and it opens. Some cars have a button near the left door panel, which makes the operation even more convenient. If you forget to unlock, the fuel tank cover becomes hard and unpressable—this is a safety feature designed by BMW. When refueling, make sure to park on level ground with the engine turned off, unlike my first time when I foolishly tried to force it open with the engine running. This design is great as it reduces the risk of theft. Common issues: if the fuel tank cover occasionally gets stuck, it might be due to dust buildup—just wipe it with a damp cloth; if that doesn’t work, a visit to the shop is needed for a check.
For the BMW 5 Series, the fuel filler flap operation relies on the vehicle's central control system. As an owner, I've found that pressing directly on the outer surface of the fuel filler flap after unlocking the car is the quickest method—no button required, just apply moderate pressure. Most models feature an integrated electronic lock, with a possible separate button located on the driver's side (position varies by model year). If operation feels stiff, it might indicate loose wiring or dirty contacts, which simple maintenance can resolve. Note: BMWs don't have external keyhole designs—this enhances security but may cause users to overlook the unlocking step. Always ensure the engine is off before refueling to prevent accidents.
