Question?

svann · 04-10-2005, 07:49 PM

Something that has always bothered me: Why are the gas tank fill doors on the right side of BMWs. It would seem that the left side would be better, because most people drive up to the right side of the pumps and we are always needing to go to the left side. Usually this puts you facing a car that is filling if the station is busy. I'm sure there is a good reason for this.

parolof · parolof's Garage

Must be a US problem:-) Most European cars have the fill door on the right side of the car

Jeron · Jeron's Garage

I always assumed it was because the base design was for a RHD car and they didn't want the expense of two fuel system designs.

blkongry · 04-11-2005, 08:29 AM

I love it being on the right hand side... all those 'one-way entrance only' gas stations (which everything seems to be going to) are usually backed-up on on the right side of the pumps since the majority of vehicles have the fill on the left side of the vehicle... I bypass the line and roll right up to the left side of the pump. Even better would be a rear mount fill, then you could go to any side of the pumps... what ever was open. If you look around at what side of the vehicle the fill is on, it varies depending on make... BMW isn't the only one with it on the right, and it's not just on European vehicles. I don't know if there is a reason for the decision other than personal choice during the design.

Jeron · Jeron's Garage

My informal binocular parking lot poll yields mostly on the left. Funny Mustangs are on the right. Pretty random, though.

Dave at Pelican Parts · Dave at Pelican Parts's Garage

I think the main reason is "just because". There doesn't seem to be any real rhyme or reason to the choice on any car. Though it could be on the RHS on the E36 for the same reason that the battery is--to get a little more weight on the right-rear wheel to help balance the weight distribution of the car. Then again, the fuel filler system doesn't really weigh that much, so that may not have anything to do with it...

--DD

Jeron · Jeron's Garage

Yeah, I agree with the battery placement opposite the driver reasoning. And the exhaust is left to avoid the battery because of clearance and heat, I suppose.

supertack · supertack's Garage

It makes it easier to get out & fill up when it's on the passenger side. I would think it would eliminate door dings against the pump when stunod's are getting out of their cars.