Fuel Cap Part Issue

[GZilla]

My E38 (2000) has the metal fuel cap. I went out an bought myself the plastic one that came in the later models. The part number is 16 11 6 754 492. I tried to install it today and it would not lock into place. I tried turning it more and the green part of the fuel cap came off. I put it back on. I get a clicking noise when I turn, but it does not stay put. Do I need to buy another part to make this work?

This is the one I bought:

image8.jpg

Comparison of the new (left w/o green cap as it fell off while turning) and the old metal cap (right):

image7.jpeg

Would I need a new holder as well?:

image4.jpeg

How the inside looks:

image5.jpg

[GZilla]

Aw shoot, I found out what was wrong! My car's build date is 3/99, and this cap only fits the 6/99 and above. Strange that they said it would still fit. Guess I'll be returning them.

[Thresher]

My E38 (2000) has the metal fuel cap. I went out an bought myself the plastic one that came in the later models. The part number is 61 34 9 308 246. I tried to install it today and it would not lock into place. I tried turning it more and the green part of the fuel cap came off. I put it back on. I get a clicking noise when I turn, but it does not stay put. Do I need to buy another part to make this work?

This is the one I bought:

image8.jpg

Comparison of the new (left w/o green cap as it fell off while turning) and the old metal cap (right):

image7.jpeg

Would I need a new holder as well?:

image4.jpeg

How the inside looks:

image5.jpg

Not sure why the green part fell off (over tightened perhaps?). Your part # seems wrong. Realoem.com says "61 34 9 308 246" is the lighter element. I replaced the fuel cap on my 2001 model year (04/2000 production) E38 with part # 16-11-7-193-372 ("Filler cap") and it worked fine. You place the cap on the car, turn to the right slowly until you hear one click, then let go.

[GZilla]

I corrected the part number, since I had the boxes lying around my whole desk. Turns out that cap can only fit E38s made after 06/99. Mine was made in 03/99. I have to order the one that is more bulky than the newer model's gas cap. This is the one I need turns out: 16-11-6-750-564 will fit mine, but judging from the part number you provided it looks like yours can also fit into my E38. Do you have a picture of your portal of entry?

[Frankie]

FYI: The change in fuel caps is part of emission compliance regulations that took effect over the years.

[GZilla]

Oh really? Why is that? Does it block the smell of the petrol as opposed to the metal ones?

[Thresher]

Do you have a picture of your portal of entry?

Here you go...

20200918_175823.jpg 20200918_175835.jpg

(making mental note to clean the area around the fuel cap next time I wash the car...) :-)

[GZilla]

Thanks Thresher. Yeah, the cap I bought was a 16 11 6 754 492 part number. I checked the part number you gave, which is 16-11-7-193-372, and it is not compatible with my build date after running my vin. I was reading about this on various threads from different forums and it seems some people also had this happen. I have a metal fuel cap that came with the car, which fits snug and makes no click noise. Some sources say 16 11 1 184 664 will fit my car's build date. Other sources say 16-11-6-750-564 will work for me.

I am just baffled right now. German engineering is just confusing.

[TheArctic]

Yeah this happened to me too. My fuel cap was bad on my 01' and I tried swapping it out with my dad's 00' and it didn't work

[GZilla]

I tried inserting it again before I return one of them (I ordered 2). No dice. Wouldn't even screw in snug. My original cap is a metal one as pictured here:

image0.jpeg

I'd prefer a plastic one since I'll have better torque instead of those two tiny metal flaps that can cut fingers. FCP's website says that the filler pipes changed throughout the years for the E38, probably because like Frankie mentioned that they changed the caps for emissions purpose. I was reading the Z3's threads and they also have this issue, since the E38 and Z3 shared the same caps but they also had changes in the filler pipes throughout the years. I just ordered one that is said to fit for anything pre 6/99. I hope this one works for me.

[Thresher]

I am just baffled right now. German engineering is just confusing.

Not sure what led to the need to replace the gas cap (maybe I missed it as I scanned the posts?) FWIW, my E36 I believe has the metal style and works fine. An alternative to buying new is to search on Ebay for the part # desired and pick up a used one for cheap.

The BMW part numbers can be confusing. Parts evolve over time (a part number may refer to a production batch, the manufacturer can change, for electrical components the hardware and/or software revision can change, etc...).

A subsequent part number may be compatible, or may not. It is important to pay attention to the start dates for a part. I think I still have an extra black leather gear shifter in a parts box for my E36 because it was for the 09/1996 and up models, and my E36 was built 2/1996. In my other parts box for my E38, I have two trim pieces for the rear of the center console where the FAX, TV, and AUX video / audio connections go. Same part number on both, but color on each is different. Go figure...

[GZilla]

I just want a plastic one that is easier to turn, as well as I'm restoring the whole car and want it to look/feel how a 7 series should. It's just small details. I was being too harsh on the Germans, since changes they've done for emission purposes caused some confusion for me, from what I've gathered on the internet how the filler pipes were changed throughout the years.

I agree, since I've dealt with a lot of Infiniti/Nissan parts that are just easy to memorize. I'm still a newbie with BMWs (a little bit, I used to help my dad work on his E39 when I was a younger kid) and love gaining knowledge from everyone on this subforum. I'll be praying to God that this next piece I will get will fit.

The start dates were not listed from the websites I bought from (Pelican Parts & FCP Euro), just the years. I only found out about the dates from old forums on other BMW/E38 forums and some ebay listings. Well, I guess I now have 2 brand new caps for late 2000 and 2001 models now to sell, since returning isn't worth it anymore with restocking fees and paying for shipping. Just a lesson I learned, always have to do my research.

[Frankie]

I was being too harsh on the Germans, since changes they've done for emission purposes caused some confusion for me...

Well, they deserve it.

BMW has approached the regulatory mandate of emission compliance with the methodology of what Mike Miller of Roundel magazine calls "death by a thousand ant bites". BMW has chosen to tweak trivial and otherwise insignificant details of engine operation in pursuit of both CAFE and emission standards. No detail is too small to overlook. Thus we have such maintenance headaches as heated thermostats, water cooled alternators, VANOS, and labyrinthine EGR systems - which include gas caps.

To be fair, much of this nonsense is being imposed upon manufacturers by unrealistic regulators inspired by childish views of environmental purity. Nevertheless, each manufacturer is free to meet the mandates in any manner they choose. Virtually all engineering that occurs in the halls of BMW today revolves around these issues. The result are automobiles that have become so complex they can no longer be maintained without computer diagnostics and will be prohibitively expensive to keep beyond the warranty period.

Looking back, the E38 is downright simple.

[GZilla]

Hear hear! Oh, I agree with you Frankie. I also don't think the E38 is as complicated as the new cars out there. Even new Japanese cars are becoming overly complicated, as I have busted hands from working on a 3.0t Q50. I do not like any of the BMWs made after the golden era (E38/E39/E46) and this is coming from probably one of the youngest E38 owners on here. They have awesome engines in cars like the E60 M5, but the looks on Bimmers went downhill and the electronics are just overwhelming in my opinion. I can already imagine the maintenance costs when warranty is over.

Good news! The new fuel cap I ordered arrived today. I prayed before installing it, hoping it would fit. And it fit right in like a glove! 16-11-6-750-564 was the one that I was supposed to buy all along! Hopefully anyone who has this issue in the future will know from this thread. Anything made before 6/99 has this fuel cap, if I am not mistaken. I supplied my vin while ordering off of getbmwparts. This plastic cap is so much better than my metal cap, and way easier to twist off instead of the one with metal flaps, hoping that I won't slice my fingers.

image4.jpg

I am so happy with this! Doesn't come with a tether, but it is not a big deal for me. Now I need to replace/repair the fuel door actuator, since my fuel door does not lock when I have my doors locked. I don't want anyone stealing or messing with my petrol. If anyone with a post 6/99 or a 2001 E38 needs a new fuel cap, I've got two extras right here. I believe one member is coming over to pick one up tomorrow.

[GZilla]

Gas Cap (2).jpg Gas Cap (3).jpeg

I got this extra one I didn't bother returning. If anyone is local and needs one, I've got a brand spanking new one for $30 that is just collecting dust.