[GrimJaw]

Everytime I get gas the pump clicks way to early or multiple times before the gas tank fills up. Is there a fix for this or should I take it to bmw (still under warranty).

[Nito310]

Turn the gas pump handle sideways. Should take care of it.

[RotorOver]

Actually, you should stop fueling when you hear the first click. Fueling beyond that point can damage the vapor recovery system and result in a CEL. See “Refueling” in the owners manual.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by GrimJaw

Everytime I get gas the pump clicks way to early or multiple times before the gas tank fills up. Is there a fix for this or should I take it to bmw (still under warranty).

RotorOver is perfectly correct, but a couple of questions linger for the OP:

- How do you judge when the tank is actually full?
- How do you judge that the pump clicks off too early?

It is true that some pumps can run at a higher end of the pressure range and cause an early stop. Are you using exactly the same pump each time or do you perceive this at a variety of gas stations?

[GrimJaw]

I receive this at a variety of stations. SOMETIMES it won't happen. I notice it happens less if the pump is upside down.
BUT it clicks off way to early. I fill up at the quarter before E and gas goes on for about 8 bucks worth or whatever and clicks. Then press the gas pump again and it clicks again after a little more. Yet, if you check on the instrument cluster it isn't near full.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by GrimJaw

I receive this at a variety of stations. SOMETIMES it won't happen. I notice it happens less if the pump is upside down.
BUT it clicks off way to early. I fill up at the quarter before E and gas goes on for about 8 bucks worth or whatever and clicks. Then press the gas pump again and it clicks again after a little more. Yet, if you check on the instrument cluster it isn't near full.

If you are refilling at 1/4 full and only able to pump in ~3 gallons (~$8), there does seem to be an issue different from those who "top off" the tank and do the damage RotorOver identified. My experience is that Costco has the strictest maintenance on their fuel pumps. Try one of their stations and see if it happens again. Has it done this since new? Your car may have a problem in the fuel filler. Dealer visit is in order.

[GrimJaw]

Yeah I prob will might as well. It's just so annoying I usually get premium 93 at bp

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by GrimJaw

Yeah I prob will might as well. It's just so annoying I usually get premium 93 at bp

Premium Costco exceeds Top Tier standards. I've used it consistently for years as the stations adhere to their corporate quality standards, not relying on the individual station owner to ensure the integrity of tanks, moisture level, etc. Most Costco stations are far newer than other gas stations, so in-ground tank integrity is also likely higher.

[AndDown]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

Premium Costco exceeds Top Tier standards. I've used it consistently for years as the stations adhere to their corporate quality standards, not relying on the individual station owner to ensure the integrity of tanks, moisture level, etc. Most Costco stations are far newer than other gas stations, so in-ground tank integrity is also likely higher.

+1 for Costco gas, the turnover is so fast that gas in their tanks don't sit for very long. Almost every other time I go to fill up, the tanker is delivering a load. Talk about lines, Friday's are the worse - eight lanes and cars are lined up almost to the street.

[morphomeman]

Yes, Costco gas is great and always quite a bit cheaper that anywhere else with the good stuff.
As for the topping up issue, there is a very remote possibility that your gas-tank pressure sensor is off, but I have no idea how one would test for that.

[celsdogg]

the pump is supposed to shut off when fuel reaches the tip of the nozzle and covers the sensor hole. maybe it getting backed up prematurely and covering it too early. I'd try to fill up slowly by using the first click on the handle and see what it does.

[khj24]

Originally Posted by GrimJaw

I receive this at a variety of stations. SOMETIMES it won't happen. I notice it happens less if the pump is upside down.
BUT it clicks off way to early. I fill up at the quarter before E and gas goes on for about 8 bucks worth or whatever and clicks. Then press the gas pump again and it clicks again after a little more. Yet, if you check on the instrument cluster it isn't near full.

I was considering posting about this, mine does the exact same thing and I always fill up at a quarter tank.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by GrimJaw

Everytime I get gas the pump clicks way to early or multiple times before the gas tank fills up. Is there a fix for this or should I take it to bmw (still under warranty).

Originally Posted by khj24

I was considering posting about this, mine does the exact same thing and I always fill up at a quarter tank.

Same model, same model year, but you've both been putting up with this for over 4 years?

I recall vaguely something about a pinched return or ventilation hose on some model that had a similar result. Both of you should definitely have your cars checked at a dealer. My car is same age but a 4 cylinder...not sure if gas tank assembly varies, but never had this issue. Automatic pumping to first click off yields a full tank.

[BimBimM2]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

Premium Costco exceeds Top Tier standards. I've used it consistently for years as the stations adhere to their corporate quality standards, not relying on the individual station owner to ensure the integrity of tanks, moisture level, etc. Most Costco stations are far newer than other gas stations, so in-ground tank integrity is also likely higher.

For those who regularly put Costco fuel, how does it compare with 93 from BP? The highest Costco sells is 91

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by BimBimM2

For those who regularly put Costco fuel, how does it compare with 93 from BP? The highest Costco sells is 91

Compare in what sense? From a quality/freshness/purity perspective, I would choose Costco for their uniform, corporate-owned and operated, relatively newer in-ground tanks with quick inventory turns. Despite great pricing, Costco is a highly quality-driven company.

As far as performance goes, I haven't compared with a stopwatch, as that level of detail isn't that important to me to check. But, realizing that more octane than required doesn't improve performance and is wasted, the 91 octane premium meets BMW requirements and both of my Bimmers have been drinking it happily for years since Costco achieved Top Tier fuel status.

[MichBadger]

Originally Posted by BimBimM2

The highest Costco sells is 91

I'm pretty certain I put 93 Octane in from my Detroit area Costco this morning. I've always wondered where I could find 91 to see what the price and performance difference might be.

Edit: Now you guys have me doubting myself about whether it was 91 or 93.

Edit 2: I actually had taken a picture a while back of another car while in line at Costco and I can read 93 on the pump in the background.

[khj24]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

Same model, same model year, but you've both been putting up with this for over 4 years?

I recall vaguely something about a pinched return or ventilation hose on some model that had a similar result. Both of you should definitely have your cars checked at a dealer. My car is same age but a 4 cylinder...not sure if gas tank assembly varies, but never had this issue. Automatic pumping to first click off yields a full tank.

Only had it two years, but its been a recent thing, maybe in the last 6 months or so?

[John in VA]

Originally Posted by GrimJaw

I receive this at a variety of stations. SOMETIMES it won't happen. I notice it happens less if the pump is upside down.

You're not supposed to refuel with the pump handle upside down. Turn it slightly to the side (as mentioned above) or slow the fill flow rate.

[German1967]

Originally Posted by MichBadger

I'm pretty certain I put 93 Octane in from my Detroit area Costco this morning. I've always wondered where I could find 91 to see what the price and performance difference might be.

Edit: Now you guys have me doubting myself about whether it was 91 or 93.

Edit 2: I actually had taken a picture a while back of another car while in line at Costco and I can read 93 on the pump in the background.

Costco fuel type is state specific. Some will sell up to 93 (e.g. Ohio), some 91 (e.g. Missouri).
I have used both and no issues given minimum recommended is 91. Possibly a bit higher consumption at lower rating.

[ljason8eg]

My car does this at Costco about 50% of the time. I can eliminate it either by putting the pump in sideways or applying a bit of upward pressure on the pump. I think it has something to do with the angle of the pump nozzle and angle of the car's filler neck.

[GrimJaw]

So I talked to service rep, he advised me to fill the car up on the slowest pump setting. So far so good. Gotta wait for a couple more fill ups.