s50 Fuel Flap

Althulas · Post by **Althulas** » Tue 03 Mar, 2009 15:28

Just a bit concerenrd about security of fuel with just the locking petrol cap. Maybe a stupid one to ask but does the fuel flap lock on the s50? As i can't see anything in the manual.

321bhp · Post by **321bhp** » Tue 03 Mar, 2009 15:36

thats a no sorry

Post by **Robert T** » Tue 03 Mar, 2009 15:46

wha? Yes, of course they lock.

There are two types used on the Z3 - earlier cars have a key operated filler cap with an unlocked flap - the later cars have a locking flap which operates with the central locking.

For the later type there is an emergency release (looks like a piece of string

) in the boot. Check that that hasn't been pulled first, before looking at the actuator.

Cheers R.

c_w · Post by **c_w** » Tue 03 Mar, 2009 17:06

As Robert said, it should lock in one way or antoher (either by a key on the actual cap or a lock on the flap, the latter is a ridiculously flimsly plastic rod). If it is the latter then it could have snapped (mine had) and you can replace the cable by dropping the arch liner and connecting it to the solenoid (same kind as a door lock motor).

Althulas · Post by **Althulas** » Tue 03 Mar, 2009 21:42

I did not make myself clear there did I

I have a locking cap but just was wondering if the flap locked as well but appears not.

Post by **Robert T** » Tue 03 Mar, 2009 21:49

I know fuel is expensive, but I didn't think it needed two locks to protect it!

You surmise correctly - if the fuel cap locks, then the flap doesn't.

Cheers R.

///M_aniac · Post by **///M_aniac** » Wed 04 Mar, 2009 22:56

Robert T wrote: if the fuel cap locks, then the flap doesn't.

Cheers R.

Robert is spot on here. Cap only locks on the S50. Flap remains open.

mich · Post by **mich** » Thu 05 Mar, 2009 04:37

My Flap operates with the central locking, one day it stopped working, of course it was when at the pumps with a next to empty tank, the emergency cord could not be found because some idiot had tucked it in behind the 6CD changer in the boot, not to worry said the helpful man putting his big finger under the flap and giving it a pull the flap popped open and the tank filled, the locking pin was only made of plastic and it did not make the flap secure, I haven't bothered reconnecting the pin but I may get a lockable cap.

Stoned@Home · Post by **Stoned@Home** » Thu 05 Mar, 2009 08:52

i would love to do away with the flap & replace it with a nice one kinda like the pic below...
p.s i know these are not from Zeds, i wondered if a conversion is possible, rather than the nasty stick on type.

c_w · Post by **c_w** » Thu 05 Mar, 2009 11:05

Might be difficult due to the curve of the wheelarch?

Stoned@Home · Post by **Stoned@Home** » Thu 05 Mar, 2009 17:05

Mmmm... i'll no doubt spend many hours trying to find one LoL

mich · Post by **mich** » Thu 05 Mar, 2009 22:51

The outer ring is inset into the body which it needs to be, so a bit of panel will be needed

Stoned@Home · Post by **Stoned@Home** » Fri 06 Mar, 2009 08:43

yeah thought so, i remember seeing the whole convertor kit for sale years ago, wasn't for a Zed, but the same rules applied

Waitey · Post by **Waitey** » Thu 02 Apr, 2009 10:37

///M_aniac wrote:
Robert T wrote: if the fuel cap locks, then the flap doesn't.

Cheers R.
Robert is spot on here. Cap only locks on the S50. Flap remains open.

My S50 has the locking flap. Think it came in after 2000.

c_w · Post by **c_w** » Thu 02 Apr, 2009 13:16

I think it was 04/99, I think it was at the same time the rest of the Z3 got a facelift? eg at the same time the chrome ringed headlights were used, chrome grills, key with integrate buttons (rather than separate alarm fob) etc

Post by **Robert T** » Thu 02 Apr, 2009 13:53

Alarm was not 04/99, c_w - that seems to have been about 6 months earlier - my 01/99 built car has the integrated type key/remote - and I know of a few others on here built before mine that have it too.

I would guess that the filler cap made sense to be changed at the facelift as then they would only need to make only one kind for all the models.

I always found it interesting that the ///M never got an asslift like the other zeds - but then the rear end was always unique to the ///M-car.

Cheers R.