[gsbaker]

So I was researching online for this issue, and I found a video regarding the same issue on BMW X5.
You all sure that i4 doesn't have something like this for emergency release?

If it existed then I guess the dealers wouldn't be forcing them open.

Many folks have gone to a dealer and none have reported a release.

 

[keoma.van.eyck]

Nope, dealer said explicitly such a release does not exist on the i4

 

[joaoluis]

Am i late to the “my i4 charging door is stuck” party?

 

[HaSRG]

This issue is ridiculous.
The lack of emergency opening is more ridiculous!

 

[joaoluis]

Am i late to the “my i4 charging door is stuck” party?

Update: no longer an issue, tried opening it manually, great sucess, but now the latch is broken…at least I can charge it.

 

[gsbaker]

Am i late to the “my i4 charging door is stuck” party?

No, you need solutions.

If you need to charge sarch this thread for an air bladder that will gently pry the door wo damaging it. Then take it to your dealer to replace under warrantee.

All agree it is a poorly designed or made part and there is no emergency release.

So if gentle persuation fails, such a looping a string under the door and pulling outward as you try to depress and pop the door, than force it open.

 

[FreshxDough]

the issue is the charge door cover pot. its mainly the actuator that twists and holds the charge flap. the updated part is Q17 as seen on the part stamp. it applies to all G26 vehicles, BEV or not.

 

[A_Camera]

This issue seems like a very basic functional item for both gas and electric. Are the gas counterparts also having this problem?

I have had my 330e for over three years now, but neither the charge nor the gas ports have caused me any issues ever. I never sprayed anything with WD40 or any other lubricant. I live in Sweden and the car is almost always parked outdoors without roof, where it is exposed to all kinds of weather. On the other hand... I have an emergency opener for both the petrol tank and the charge port. Maybe BMW knows that those emergency openers are extremely rarely used, so they saved a few $ by not having that feature in the i4, where it seems to be needed. It's really a horrible design if it is common, something must have been changed between ICE and PHEV cars and the i4, I am sure they did more changes than just leaving the emergency opener out.

Does anyone knows if the issue is the same with the 4 series ICE?

 

[A_Camera]

So I was researching online for this issue, and I found a video regarding the same issue on BMW X5.
You all sure that i4 doesn't have something like this for emergency release?

Yes, that's the way it works also in my 330e, but unfortunately the i4 does not have that string, so there is nothing to pull.

 

[A_Camera]

As a result of this thread, I just ordered a six-pack...

It's best to be prepared and can be used for a lot of other things as well.

 

[FreshxDough]

I have had my 330e for over three years now, but neither the charge nor the gas ports have caused me any issues ever. I never sprayed anything with WD40 or any other lubricant. I live in Sweden and the car is almost always parked outdoors without roof, where it is exposed to all kinds of weather. On the other hand... I have an emergency opener for both the petrol tank and the charge port. Maybe BMW knows that those emergency openers are extremely rarely used, so they saved a few $ by not having that feature in the i4, where it seems to be needed. It's really a horrible design if it is common, something must have been changed between ICE and PHEV cars and the i4, I am sure they did more changes than just leaving the emergency opener out.

Does anyone knows if the issue is the same with the 4 series ICE?

If you read my post above youll know this can affect all G26 vehicles, BEV or ICE. It’s the flap actuator that fails. The cover pot is designed differently but I assume they use the same actuator which for some reason seems to not be a good part.

 

[papa_nige]

Just a thought. Maybe the latch breaks more often in an i4 because the hatch is open for 5 or so hours at a time, often outside exposed to rain and blowing dust etc. Whereas a fuel car is open for only 5 mins at a time and often undercover. Does the latest fuel version have a manual release lever?

 

[FreshxDough]

Just a thought. Maybe the latch breaks more often in an i4 because the hatch is open for 5 or so hours at a time, often outside exposed to rain and blowing dust etc. Whereas a fuel car is open for only 5 mins at a time and often undercover. Does the latest fuel version have a manual release lever?

No. They both have issues. It’s not solely BEV vehicles that have this issue and it’s not outside influence. The actuator is likely just a bad part. That’s why an updated part is required. Not just a new part that’s the same.

 

[HaSRG]

Something I found in manual. Be very gentle with it.

 

[A_Camera]

If you read my post above youll know this can affect all G26 vehicles, BEV or ICE. It’s the flap actuator that fails. The cover pot is designed differently but I assume they use the same actuator which for some reason seems to not be a good part.

I know that, but my car has emergency releases for both the petrol and the charging port flaps. I know you meant the flaps, that's the only thing which is locked.

 

[turnsignal]

Does anyone have pictures of the bad part number vs the good part number? I’d get interested to see what version mine will have when it eventually delivers. Production last week of Jan.

 

[FreshxDough]

Does anyone have pictures of the bad part number vs the good part number? I’d get interested to see what version mine will have when it eventually delivers. Production last week of Jan.

The part number is the same. It’s the index number. Like I said above, Q17 is the updated part, anything lower should be replaced. You can remove the painted flap to see this number I believe.

 

[KneeDeep]

Happened to me last night, at least I am at home and we have a second car. Unfortunately BMW can’t get me in till next week and I won’t be getting a loaner, cause that wait was over a month. Super frustrating as I’ve had the car for a month and only put 400 miles on it. Was also told by the tech on the phone forcing it with an air bladder would be considered intentional damage and screw up my warrant claim. So the car will sit in the driveway till then, fingers crossed it somehow magically opens between now and then cause I’d love to get a full charge into it.

 

[Magicrat]

Happened to me last night, at least I am at home and we have a second car. Unfortunately BMW can’t get me in till next week and I won’t be getting a loaner, cause that wait was over a month. Super frustrating as I’ve had the car for a month and only put 400 miles on it. Was also told by the tech on the phone forcing it with an air bladder would be considered intentional damage and screw up my warrant claim. So the car will sit in the driveway till then, fingers crossed it somehow magically opens between now and then cause I’d love to get a full charge into it.

I'm sad for you, but at least you were home when it happened. BMW is wrong if they say anyone that uses a bladder to open the charging port voids the warranty, what are you supposed to do ruin your trip waiting for a tow and when they have to know by now that this is a faulty design and known failure.

 

[KneeDeep]

I'm sad for you, but at least you were home when it happened. BMW is wrong if they say anyone that uses a bladder to open the charging port voids the warranty, what are you supposed to do ruin your trip waiting for a tow and when they have to know by now that this is a faulty design and known failure.

Agreed, and if this were a different situation I would press the issue harder and likely make a recording of the troubleshooting process showing that the door isn't working properly before forcing it open. I'm still just baffled that there is no manual override for this at all.