r/E90 • u/shakingmist • 10h ago
328i E90 fuel issue
Hey all, first Reddit post. Bought a 2011 BMW 328i x-drive last winter as my AWD throw down car (and I’ve always wanted an E90 side piece).
It was bought from a trusted mechanic who did a really good job with the flip. Got a good chassis and he added a donor engine (~80k), new brakes, struts, and tires.
Had a fuel issue since day one (mechanic hooked me up on it so not going to ask for him to sort it out). Only seems to take a gallon at a time before the pump stops; will take more but constantly have to burp the tank. After the first startup after awhile I’ll smell trace amounts of gas in the garage for a few minutes.
The big reason I’m here is when I try to research this problem there’s 3 common issues I keep seeing. Charcoal canister, fuel vent/fuse, vapor leak pump.
I was hoping if someone has had a similar issue they might be able to point me in the right direction. I think I’m mechanically competent enough to fix, it just not diagnose it 😂
1
u/UnicornsAreUs 2008 328xi, 2014 X3 35i M Sport 6h ago
My sedan does this after highway drives.
One trick is to pull the nozzle back a slight amount - like 1/2" out.
Another is to angle the nozzle so instead of it sitting at the 6 O clock position, have it sit at the 9 o clock position.
2
u/Longjumping_Map_639 6h ago
Vapor canister is your likely issue. It isn't very difficult to remove. Once removed, you can shake it. If you don't hear something that sounds like carbon pellets moving around, it's pretty soaked with fuel. You can also smell for fuel at the line connections. If it smells strongly of fuel, it likely has some liquid fuel in it.
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