[335ier]

Hi all,
I have just filled my 2005 e90 330i up to the brim for the first time (only had the car a couple of weeks) when paying, a guy told me the car was pouring fuel on to the floor

It did start to slow down after a Minuit or so, I then drove home the long way & parked the car on a high kerb (filler cap on the lower side) to look under I couldn't see any thing but fuel started coming out.

I then moved the car onto level ground (tank still showing full) then the leak stopped.

I'm just after a little advise on what may be the problem, I'm thinking probably the filler neck has a split at the bottom? anyone else come across this?

Cheers guys.

[G82Dude]

Wouldn't brim it - stop when the fuel pump goes clunk and stops dispensing. Pretty sure there is an inexpensive pipe or part that can cause filling problems on them - try a search on the forum (or Google)...

[E90F30er]

I'm in the Shell Drivers Club so always round to nearest litre after the pump goes clunk to get another point.

[335ier]

Originally Posted by uke92dude

Wouldn't brim it - stop when the fuel pump goes clunk and stops dispensing. Pretty sure there is an inexpensive pipe or part that can cause filling problems on them - try a search on the forum (or Google)...

Thanks, Ive taken a look & seems my suspicions could be true.

Next time I'll not put as much in it, although this time I only waited for one clunk.

[Soul_Glo]

Worth getting under the wheel arch and taking a look to see where it is coming from. Could be the vent pipe/breather pipe is clogged or cracked. Worse still if the in tank pump o-ring is deformed then the leak could be from there but you would most likely be a strong fuel smell in the car if it was that. Although, I still think it is a good idea to a full investigation and check for any fuel under the seats too. If it is not the pipe then it could be the o-rings on either end or loose clamp on a hose. If the previous owner ever accidentally filled up with diesel then this could contribute to a hose's demise.

[old grey steve]

Vent pipe we've seen a good few of them come our way the pipe set isn't too much money but it's awkward in terms of changing time wise bet on a good 3 hours as the tank needs to be moved so ensure when the jobs done the tanks nice and low but on the pipe front they've modified it so that it doesn't chafe away on the body innards when you look at it it does look a bit more substantial than the old pipe but it's crazy that you have this issue in the first place IMO.

[335ier]

O.K so I've been doing some searching, looks like it was a very common fault.

On the old cars the breather pipe rubbed and wore through, the new breather pipes have a sacrificial layer on them so the problem may still happen but no as fast.
I went out for a spirited drive and stopped mid way to check and no fuel was present so to be honest for now I'm gonna leave it and just not brim it, as long as the car doesn't stink I won't find it too inconvienient to fill to 50 liters instead of 55.
It would be a different matter entirely if it leaked on the move but it definitely doesn't so I can live with that.

[Robin330i]

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...t=Dreaded+leak

I had the issue and it's certainly not uncommon!!!

[gaza01]

Mrs had this on her e46. Would leak when brimmed and when parked on an incline. Turned out to be the tank seals

[Jase 320d]

I had this happen on an old 306 hdi

Didnt notice it at first.


I did notice it as i went round a sweeping bend - the arse end came round and i binned it.

Took out a couple of bollards, ripped the exhaust off and the front bumper.


Front bumper and exhaust piled into the boot and i made it home!

Lol

[hey joe]

Is there not an 'overflow' ? My 2010 e92 did this when brand new (so hopefully no blocked or corroded pipes) the first time I brimmed it. Fuel was coming out from behind the rear wheel.
Only time it's ever happened though !! Since then it's up to the first cut-off - then round up to the next whole litre for me too !! Damned stuff is too pricey to be pouring it over the forecourt !!

[ade146]

Its probably the same issue as all the others. I wouldn't have thought there is a car out there that doesnt wear through the breather. Most people just dont notice. The new parts have corrugated protection and its a right farce trying to fit. They became aware of it around 2008/9 ish

[Jcamerz]

I have same issue when bought the car filled the tank to click and then more to another click and drove home and found fuel leaking onto the drive thought I had a whole in fuel tank got halfords autocentre to check it out and apparently car has a overfill pipe so now just put few litres less and no more spillage.

[AlanYoro35i]

you guys are leaking fuel for god sake, get it checked out in a garage instead of troubleshooting it here.

Am i the only one who think its a very dangerous thing yo happen?

[Jase 320d]

Originally Posted by Yoro35i

you guys are leaking fuel for god sake, get it checked out in a garage instead of troubleshooting it here.

Am i the only one who think its a very dangerous thing yo happen?

See my above post


It is lethal!

Basically zero grip on one back wheel = crash

[335ier]

Originally Posted by Yoro35i

you guys are leaking fuel for god sake, get it checked out in a garage instead of troubleshooting it here.

Am i the only one who think its a very dangerous thing yo happen?

Yes of course it can be dangerous but knowledge isn't. For us that are interested and technically minded its nice to know whats going on through lots of experience. Its only dangerous it the vehicle user allows it to be.

I will fix mine but in the mean time over the holidays I am happily to use my car now I understand what the deal is.