Just got a 318...one quick question please.

[Alex37211]

Where the hell is the gas door popper?
It's a 97' 318 hatchback. I looked all around the dash and door panel and in the glove box and down next to the seat and I just can't find the lever or button that opens the gas door.
It is imperative that I find it because I only have a 1/4 tank left and I don't want to break anything on this car.

Thanks!

[DurangoDave]

I think you just push in on the filler door itself, then it flips out enough to swing it open, at least that's how mine works.

[Alex37211]

That's what they told me when I called my local BMW dealership and I tried it and it didn't work.
I peeked in through the little crack and saw a small plastic pin holding it shut, it was about as thinck as a cotton swab. So I stuck a knife in there and worked it back to the left and viola! It opens and closes freely now.
When I was pushing in the little white plastic rod, it made a noise as if it were connected to a small electric motor.
This further leads me to believe that there must be a switch somewhere that controls that plastic pin. I thought it may be connected to the door lock mechanism, but I tried unlocking and locking the doors and hatch to no avail.
Anyone have any clues as to what's going on here?

[asuj_158@msn.com]

when you lock your car then it locks your lid to the gas tank then when you unlock your car it unlocks the lid. saftey percaution.

[Alex37211]

I tried that. I figured that's the way it worked, but the lid still was locked shut after unlocking the vehichle. Maybe mine is just faulty.

[solvman]

yeah...most likely it is broken. Check inside of your trunk. you might find a little cord that you can pull to open it back up.