When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Are the doors unlocked when you are trying to open the fuel door? Had to ask the obvious. "Someone" in my family ripped open the fuel fill door on her BMW when the doors were locked.
Aston Martin Vantage, GLE 43 AMG, Volvo XC60, BMW X1 35i, Ram 1500, BMW Z4 35i
I'm not aware of any easily accessible release for the fuel filler door. It should open easily when the vehicle is unlocked.If it is not opening, you likley need to remove the whole right rear panel to get access... You may also need to use a mirror and flashlight to look up there to see a black knob...
Last edited by whitewagon; 07-19-2020 at 11:38 AM.
From page 76 of the 2017 W166 GLE350 4MATIC owner's manual.
Mechanical key
General notes
If the vehicle can no longer be locked or
unlocked with the SmartKey or with KEYLESSGO, use the mechanical key.
If you use the mechanical key to unlock and
open the driver's door, the anti-theft alarm system will be triggered. Switch off the alarm
(Y page 72).
If you unlock the vehicle using the mechanical
key, the fuel filler flap will not be unlocked automatically.
X To unlock the fuel filler flap: insert the
SmartKey into the ignition lock.
From page 80 of the same document:
Centrally locking and unlocking the
vehicle from the inside
You can centrally lock or unlock the vehicle from
the inside. The buttons are located on both front
doors.
X To unlock: press button :.
X To lock: press button ;.
If the front-passenger door is closed, the vehicle locks.
Meanwhile, the fuel filler flap will not be locked
or unlocked.
From page 150 of the same document:
The fuel filler flap cannot
be opened.
The fuel filler flap is not unlocked.
X Unlock the vehicle (Y page 74).
The SmartKey battery is discharged or nearly discharged.
X Unlock the vehicle using the mechanical key (Y page 76).
The fuel filler flap is unlocked, but the opening mechanism is jammed.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
The compressor tank needs to come out, which might mean the right rear trim panel needs to come off.
I just looked at my 2017 W166 GLE 350 with steel suspension, no air tank. The fuel flap lock mechanism is clearly visible. There is no pull cord, but rather a bright red plastic clip/latch. I didn't pull it, because I don't know if it's a one time use part that breaks when used, and then needs to be replaced. However, if I was in your situation, I would likely pull it off.
Have a look at this video. It is for a C-Class but it suggests that M-B provides a feature for releasing the fuel flap from inside the vehicle.
Once I had such a problem. I was at the gas station, and the worker there couldn't open the door to fuel my car. I didn't know to do it also. I was so embarrassed, and then came one more experienced worker and helped us open the fuel tank door. I didn't remember how he opened it, so I searched how to do it online when I got home. I found the solution on cararac.com. I started to search for how to do other regular things on my car for the future. It was one of the most embarrassing situations in my life from the last period, and I don't want to feel the same.
Anyone now do we have any manual realise for fuel lid? It’s stuck and can’t open it.
had the look from the boot but there is air compressor tank on the way.
any ideas ?
Hi everyone, Does anyone have a solution? I've removed the RHS cargo trim, but there is still no access to the rear of the fuel to fuel lid or the mechanism. Does anyone know for certain is there is a manual override before I further disassemble the car? Cheers, Harry
This happened to me 3 years ago.
The solution, other than remove a whole lot of stuff, incl that air tank was to cut a port hole with an exacto knife,
large enough for a hand to reach the mechanism that releases the door (the mechanism with the red string that others have as an emergency release)
Air suspension cars don't have the release because the air tank is in the way.
While others will have an issue with this, to each his own. It's just a car. My repair afterwards is >95% invisible.
Afterwards, I added two little wings on the cutout and re-installed with two black screws so now I have an emergency release also for next time
Unfortunately, my car is in Fl and I am in Canada and I can't send you a pic of the 4" x 4" piece of cardboard to cutout.
07-17-2020, 01:03 PM
