Fuel Door Mystery

[ElNormo]

So my fuel door (the part painted the same as the body, not the cap itself) mysteriously disappeared the other day. It appears that the plastic hinges sheared off. Not sure if it was an act of nature or vandalism, but the door is gone.

I ordered a new set of hinges and a used fuel door (from Vines). They came today. I suspect the door is the wrong color (it's dark outside at the moment... will check tomorrow), but the hinge mechism is new.

Here's the question... The old fuel door seemed to be spring loaded. It "snapped" shut when you tapped it. Is this a function of the hinge itself? The new hinge appears to be all plastic, no spring. Just curious if I got a hinge for a different model car!

I'll have more info tomorrow, when I try to install it. Just curious if anyone's replaced one of these before...

Thanks,

Norman

[Alexlind123]

The fuel door on my brother's car, an e28, springs shut with an all metal hinge.

The fuel door on my car has a plastic spring (which need replacement) and it does not have a spring. Both cars have locks integrated with the central locking system. I always thought that mine should have a spring that is missing, but maybe not.

[Torque]

There is a piece of metal that is shaped like a 'C' with small clips on either side , and it hooks inside the plastic hinge to snap the door shut.

[Torque]

ok, heres part number
05SPRING
1

51171969235$0.56

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...41&fg=25&hl=10

[Alexlind123]

Thank you, i would order it, but i think my hinge is broken as well.

[gale]

Here's a jpeg of the spring clip:

[Torque]

Thank you, i would order it, but i think my hinge is broken as well.

The hinge cost me 17 dollars (I believe) from the dealer a few months ago.