2008 135i Fuel Odor After Tank Fill

[schmidtp]

Hi,

I have a 2008 135i N54 with 106K. I have searched the internet for this issue but can't find a description with my exact case.

After I completely top off the tank I will get a fuel odor on the outside of the car only. Usually it only lasts after the first few drives and I notice it the most on the drivers side of the car.

I have owned the car for 3 years and do not know if the the fuel pump has been replaced. I also do not notice any leaks and the odor seems to go away after the fuel level decreases.

What would be some issues to check? I do not smell gas in the inside of the car so I do not believe its the pump and it seems more prevalent on the drivers side so it may not be the gas cap.

Thanks,
Patrick

[all4bspinnin]

Patrick, have you tried looking at the filler neck and following it to the tank checking for leaks? I would pull the rear seats/cover and make sure everything is tight

What ever is causing it seems to manifest when the fuel level is high...

[schmidtp]

Originally Posted by all4bspinnin

Patrick, have you tried looking at the filler neck and following it to the tank checking for leaks? I would pull the rear seats/cover and make sure everything is tight

What ever is causing it seems to manifest when the fuel level is high...

I have not checked the filler neck, is that visible in the trunk? My next step was to take out the rear seats and check, however I was not sure if it would be a problem there since I do not smell anything inside.

[titium]

rear wheel off fender liner out and you'll see the fuel filler neck.

i wore a hole in my from tyre rubbing . I didn't need to take the liner out as i wore i hole through that also.

[MightyMouseTech]

Even with the smallest leak, you would get a check engine light for an evap code. Are you sure you are not just spilling some gas?

[all4bspinnin]

OP, when you fuel up your tank, do you keep pumping after the pump clicks off to get that last extra bit?

[titium]

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

Even with the smallest leak, you would get a check engine light for an evap code. Are you sure you are not just spilling some gas?

no codes.

i think the US spec cars are the ones that come with the dmtl pump which sets the cel if there is a leak. mine being in Australia is europe spec.

[schmidtp]

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

Even with the smallest leak, you would get a check engine light for an evap code. Are you sure you are not just spilling some gas?

No check engine light and I am very careful about not spilling as I do not want to get gas on the paint.

Originally Posted by all4bspinnin

OP, when you fuel up your tank, do you keep pumping after the pump clicks off to get that last extra bit?

Nope, after it clicks I take it out.

Originally Posted by titium

no codes.

i think the US spec cars are the ones that come with the dmtl pump which sets the cel if there is a leak. mine being in Australia is europe spec.

No light so maybe there is no leak.

I am going to fill it with a gas can with the seat and wheel liner removed this weekend and post back any findings. There is no odor inside the car or engine bay so it has me stumped. Thanks all for the replies!

[all4bspinnin]

Originally Posted by schmidtp

Nope, after it clicks I take it out.

Cool. I figured you weren't but I wanted to double check.

Sounds like you have a good plan put together. Be sure to post pics if you want.

[Spacegray1]

Did you identify the issue....I have the same problem of fuel smell when tank full...goes away at a little over 3/4 full.

[ianc]

Might not be an out and out leak, but it seems to me I've read at least one thread where the plastic on the top of the tank was weeping\seeping and causing an odor. Try a search for it if you can't immediately spot anything...

ianc

[TT1351]

I have a 91 325 IX and there is a fabric covered rubber hose that runs from the filler neck along the inside of the right rear wheel well, through a metal tube along side the rear seat to the fuel tank, it's called an overflow hose. The point where it connects to the fuel tank is pretty rotten due to its age. If I fill the bejesus out of the tank it will leak on top of the tank, and the smell is noticeable inside and out side of the car. There is a vent pipe on the 1 series that is not arranged as the E30 is, however there is an overflow pipe running from the top of the filler neck, I would check it for integrity.

[schmidtp]

Sorry for the delayed response. I ended up ordering a new gasket and tightened it down and no more leaks. So nice to not be spilling gas

[Spacegray1]

Which gasket was leaking on yours?

[TMR013]

Originally Posted by schmidtp

Sorry for the delayed response. I ended up ordering a new gasket and tightened it down and no more leaks. So nice to not be spilling gas

Just started noticing this on mine the last couple of fills. Can you advise what gasket you changed?