Gas door: let's figure out a solutin for making it stay closed

[Obioban]

I've replaced the spring clip thing 3 times now. It works... okay when new, and then poorly after not that many years.

Feels like we should be able to come up with some sort of 3D printed solution to have the gas door stay solidly closed.

[Mustafa564]

Following this post

[Tbonem3]

You simply need to take a pair of needle nose pliers and apply some twist/kink to the spring, and you'll give it a bit more tension.

[Estoril]

Given you have replaced it 3 times - perhaps adding your view on what is mechanically not working (or how).

Thanks

[PetrolM3]

Interestingly, I've never had this issue on my 2 sedans. It seems to be an M3 (or coupe) only issue.

[karter16]

I flipped the spring on mine round the other way and it's been going strong for the last 10 years


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[///M3RIC]

I’ve always despised the gas door design. It’s one of the most flimsy designs I’ve experienced. And if your gas door lock isn’t functioning, the door will flop back and forth as you drive. I’ve been hoping for years that someone would create a more secure and robust design.

[Slideways]

..

[samthejam]

..

spit my coffee out

[Obioban]

I flipped the spring on mine round the other way and it's been going strong for the last 10 years


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You know, I never tried that, because it's not a symmetrical part.

But, I just did, because of your post... and the door is more strongly closed now than I think it ever has been before with the springs installed correctly. Dare I say, even satisfactorily closed.

[karter16]

You know, I never tried that, because it's not a symmetrical part.

But, I just did, because of your post... and the door is more strongly closed now than I think it ever has been before with the springs installed correctly. Dare I say, even satisfactorily closed.

Nice one. I can't take credit for the idea. I read it on the old forum in 2015 not long after I got my car and had this very problem. No idea whose idea it was originally!


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[sapote]

the door will flop back and forth as you drive

Did you see it flopping through the side mirror or someone told you?
At higher speed the air pressure outside is lower than the inside and the door is pulled outward.

We could glue a small magnet on trail edge of the door and one magnet on something inside with a small gap between them with a closed door. A 5mm dia round magnet should work.

[///M3RIC]

Did you see it flopping through the side mirror or someone told you?
At higher speed the air pressure outside is lower than the inside and the door is pulled outward.

We could glue a small magnet on trail edge of the door and one magnet on something inside with a small gap between them with a closed door. A 5mm dia round magnet should work.

I noticed it in my side mirror. It was swinging open when I came to stops. I've since fixed the lock, but it was annoying for a while. A magnet could work as good insurance though.