Slow fuel filling
 

Hey guys,

Ever since I got it, my 2005 X5 3.0lt diesel has this issue. It is impossible to fill it up, with the pump set at anything more than the minimum. It takes for ever to fill it up. And please do not tell me to try another pump, it has happened in every gas station I've visited in two countries! LoRL

What are some common causes of this problem? What should I look for?

Many thanks

Almost 60 views and no one can point me to where the breather is for the tank? Or give me any idea on what could cause such a slow fill up?!?!

Come on guys, I need to fix that, I can't spend 10 minutes at the pump, every time I want to fill it up.

Since it wasn't mentioned as something to rule out...have you tried not inserting the fuel pump as deep into the fuel fill pipe?

If the problem is that the fuel pump keeps kicking off...back it out some and see if that works.

I think I've tried every possible position, but I'll try it again next time I fill up. Thanks!

It sounds to be like somehow your fuel tank has built back pressure inside that is causing the fuel pumps / nozzles to cut off or only allow you to fill like you are just topping off.

I unfortunately don't know enough about the X5 yet to point you to the tank breather. However, in most BMW's I have encountered it is behind the rear fender / wheel liner. I would start by looking under the car where the filler tube is located.

Here is a link that might help point you in the right direction - just click on the images:

Fuel supply

I have the same issue once in a while. It happens when the tank is almost empty and I push the nozzle in as far as it will go. To correct the problem I take the nozzle back out for 10 or 15 seconds and then per JCL I back the nozzle out so that air can air/vapor can escape an pump that way for 15-30 seconds and then can push the nozzle in all the way and set the contro at 1 stop less fastest fill point and all is well. Usually after I have pumped a few gallons I can move to the fastest stop.

Thanks guys, I'll try all these things!

Since this has never been resolved, I am reviving this thread.

I spend some time looking in realoem.com drawings, and I can't find any ventilation pipe, from the fuel tank.

Does anybody know, if there is a ventilation pipe, and if there is one, where can I find it?

Many thanks.

Although the fuel tank is "vented"...it is not expelled to the exterior of the vehicle...modern technology and universal emission laws (OBD II) prevents that from happening.

Fumes generated from fuel are accumulated, then pumped back into the engine to be burned (usually when idling).

You'll find the fuel tank "venting" hoses and expansion tank in this diagram from realoem.com: RealOEM.com * Diagram Selection

And I believe #16 (and possibly #17, too...tubing & outlet pipe)...that are attached to the fuel filler neck (#15) which allows air into the neck and prevents a vacuum...note that if you purchase #15...based on the bracket in the diagram...#15 comes with #16 & #17:

I suggest checking for codes. The problem may be the fuel vent valve. What doesn't match up is that you have not had SES light on. I wouldn't expect the lines to clog but if that was a concern I would disconnect them at both ends and try blowing them clear first.

Hey QSilver7 good to see you again.

Re. realoem diagrams. I have gone through them and I saw the expansion tank for the diesel cars, but I have no idea where that is located. These are shown in this diagram.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/n/r/221.png

So what can I check to fix this problem? If ventilation is not done to the environment, what can cause this problem?

And no, I do not get any codes in the computer.

in the Freightliner I used to have trouble fueling, I checked the lines and ran a couple doses of injector clean and diesel rescue. helped a bit but still kinda slow (keep in mind diesel will fuel slower then gasoline but it took twice as long to fill) I let the cap loose for the night while i parked and in the AM ran the pump through a couple priming cycles (off and on w/o turning on the motor) and when i filled up again it filled up pretty quick. may or may not work for you.
Also turns out the station i went to next (Exxon/Mobil) had well maintained pumps and catered mostly to diesel so that had ALOT to do with

So what you are saying is that I leave the fuel cap loose before going to fill up? Hmmm, that's something worth trying.

yep put the cap on but dont tighten it so it can air out. Also the next morning run it through a couple cycles like i mentioned and see if it helps. Also DO NOT drive with it lose/off (learned that the hard way on my ford, forgot to tighten it after fillin up :P)

I know this is an old thread! But I’ve been searching and searching for someone that had the same issue!! It’s a struggle just to get half a tank full because it takes forever. I’ve only had my X5 for a short time and it’s really doing my head in not being able to fuel up in a timely manner! The nozzle forever clicks off every couple of seconds if I have it inserted into the fuel tank, and with it slightly out or all the way out the diesel just bubbles on out and I have to slow the flow right down so that it is fueling so bloody slow! Please tell me you worked out the issue and fixed it?

Never solved the problem!

I also have the 3.0d and never had any issues with it. I don't use truck pumps (with the large bore nozzles) as they won't fit in the filler neck. The standard diesel pumps here in NZ will fill my ~93l tank from near-empty to full in around 3-4 minutes. It's certainly slower than filling a petrol car but it's certainly not anything like 10 minutes.

The filler neck hoses are pretty small - this tank will never fill VERY fast...

https://i.ibb.co/CsBkfM5/7xOonHF.png
https://i.ibb.co/qY90M85/7xYq2En.png

I wish it was 3-4 mins for me.. 15 mins if I want to fill it full.. I usually stop at 5-10 mins...

AFAIK the fuel tank system is set up to vent as little as possible and most of the venting is supposed to be built into the fill nozzle. Maybe try filling at a different station ?

I have the same issue when filling the PORSCHE. I found out that if you flip the nozzle so that the handle is pointing up in the air instead of pointing down in the ground, I can fill the PORSCHE without it clicking off all the time.

I have tried almost every single station in town!

I had this start happening with mine at certain pumps. I found that putting the nozzle in first and then entering my credit card info gives enough time for the tank to vent the little extra that seems to be needed. Works every time now even at the pumps that where bad.
Mine is gas and might not be the same but hopefully still some useful info.