2005 530 Leaking Gas - BMW Forum

ItsOnlyMoney · 01-19-2009, 02:08 PM

It's leaks a little gas right after filling up the tank. Strangely leaks it on the driver side just in front of the rear wheel, gas door is on the other side of the car. Dealer is talking about $2200 to replace the tank. Yikes. Just one month after warranty ran out and fairly low milage. Going to be looking for a second opinion.

witeshark · 01-19-2009, 02:47 PM

Have you checked to see if it's leaking from the fuel filter point in the line?

ItsOnlyMoney · 01-19-2009, 02:53 PM

How do I inspect the fuel filter? And wouldn't it leak all of the time instead of just when I fill the thing up?

witeshark · 01-19-2009, 02:55 PM

Are you sure it's not overfilling that's causing the spill? Do you "top up" on each fill? (Not recommended)

ItsOnlyMoney · 01-19-2009, 02:59 PM

Right, we pretty much run the gas pump until it stops. This not recommended?

witeshark · 01-19-2009, 03:02 PM

Up to the first stop is okay. If there's a leak only after a fill, it may be the filler neck that needs a look.

BMWides110377 · 01-19-2009, 05:32 PM

sounds like there may be a leak at the filler neck, but I am not sure how you would locate this

ItsOnlyMoney · 01-19-2009, 07:17 PM

The dealer says to replace the whole tank. Ouch.

ItsOnlyMoney · 01-21-2009, 10:11 AM

I'm kinda thinking it may be the filler neck. The battery (which the manual says is designed for the life of the car) had to be replaced at 18 months. Maybe the two are related?

marti5 · 01-21-2009, 10:33 AM

I would say your correct, as for the BMW life time, biggest load of crap ive ever heard,
they say auto box fluid for life!! I went to the factory where they make the box,for a service,the manager says to me you must change it every 70-80,000 miles.

ItsOnlyMoney · 01-21-2009, 11:03 AM

Any ideas about how I can inspect the battery box? Impact of disconnecting the battery?

marti5 · 01-22-2009, 05:25 AM

Take it to a battery supplier they will test it for you, as for you disconnecting the battery, nothing much really happens, but make sure you take - off 1st then + , when you reconnect + 1st then -, also make sure you have the radio code.

ItsOnlyMoney · 01-23-2009, 10:51 AM

Thanks Marti

ItsOnlyMoney · 01-31-2009, 04:20 PM

Final word on the leaking gas tank. I got a second opinion on the situation and an independent shop showed me the sending unit on the tank leaking gas. The gas tank was in fact in need of replacing. I went back to Fields BMW and talked to the service manager. Since the car was only a month out of warranty and this was a huge safety issue, they agreed to replace the tank. Very cool. Thank you Fields.