This is pathetic, the first fuel up of the new car, a 335xi. I pulled up to the gas station, on the right side to refuel even. I spent about a minute looking for a door lever in the cabin, in the door, anywhere. Obviously there isn't one. So I tinker with the door itself, gently pulling on the door, both sides, and then going back inside looking for a latch lever. After 5 minutes of this, I refer to the manual in the trunk. I have the convenience package, and it says that the key needs to be in proximity to the door to open it. Also, make sure that the car isn't locked. I lock the car to turn off the sound system. All you have to do is have the car unlocked, the key close to your person, and push the rear side of the door. I felt like Bill Engval....Here's your sign.:rolleyes The gas station was busy, of course, and the looks I got were brutal. Hopefully you never deal with this one, and this note helps you with your new purchase.

Here's a hint: Hit the Start/Stop button a second time (or hold it in for a longer period) to turn off the sound system. On my E92 the fuel filler door will not open under any condition if the car is locked. Having the CA key in proximity makes no difference (locked or unlocked). The trunk lid can be opened when the car is locked but not the fuel filler.

That's too bad, it's not your fault, your SA should have gone over all of that basic stuff with you. I told mine I didn't have a lot of time but he was still able to get to the basics with me in a matter of about 20 minutes.

Yep, mine, too. I arrived at the dealership to pick up the car at about 8:30PM and didn't leave until after 10:30PM (they close at 9PM!). But he still spent about 15-20 minutes going over the basics. And I'm really glad that he went over the fuel-door thing 'cuz I would've been really embarrassed!

And to think I drive a different rental car just about every week and I still didn't have a clue. Although most rentals are such low-end equipment that I would expect the BMW to be different. :)

Doesn't every car with a lockable gas tank need to be unlocked before you can open the gas tank? Even the lousy rentals I get from National behave like that. Sounds basic!

Yeah, I rent cars regularly. Right now I am rotting in Dallas with a mighty Ford Fusion, yee ha :confused. The automatic locking gas door is what threw me for the loop. The gas door was made to be too smart for a simple mountain hillbilly like me.