Incorrect fuel
04-10-2006, 09:46 AM
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I stupidly filled up my beautiful 530d engine with unleaded. I only realised as I drove off the forcourt, so stopped the car immediately (400 - 800 yards) and called bmw emergency service. They towed the car in, and the local garage is saying that they need to change all components that come into contact with the fuel and this is going to cost between 4-?5000 yes you read it correct. I have told them to drain the fuel flush it out and change the filters. Has anyone else had this stupid problem. and what was the final outcome. I keep kicking myself when I think how stupid i,ve been.
04-10-2006, 10:41 AM
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Originally Posted by pedlar17' post='267229' date='Apr 10 2006, 06:46 PM
I stupidly filled up my beautiful 530d engine with unleaded. I only realised as I drove off the forcourt, so stopped the car immediately (400 - 800 yards) and called bmw emergency service. They towed the car in, and the local garage is saying that they need to change all components that come into contact with the fuel and this is going to cost between 4-?5000 yes you read it correct. I have told them to drain the fuel flush it out and change the filters. Has anyone else had this stupid problem. and what was the final outcome. I keep kicking myself when I think how stupid i,ve been.
I guess they could do the 'flush' but BMW won't honour any warranties!
04-10-2006, 11:04 AM
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Originally Posted by pedlar17' post='267229' date='Apr 10 2006, 06:46 PM
I stupidly filled up my beautiful 530d engine with unleaded. I only realised as I drove off the forcourt, so stopped the car immediately (400 - 800 yards) and called bmw emergency service. They towed the car in, and the local garage is saying that they need to change all components that come into contact with the fuel and this is going to cost between 4-?5000 yes you read it correct. I have told them to drain the fuel flush it out and change the filters. Has anyone else had this stupid problem. and what was the final outcome. I keep kicking myself when I think how stupid i,ve been.
04-10-2006, 11:22 AM
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There was about 1/4 tank of deisel left in the tank and then I filled up with unleaded on top. The car did not seem to drive any different. What damage could be done?
04-10-2006, 11:25 AM
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Originally Posted by pedlar17' post='267229' date='Apr 10 2006, 07:46 PM
I stupidly filled up my beautiful 530d engine with unleaded. I only realised as I drove off the forcourt, so stopped the car immediately (400 - 800 yards) and called bmw emergency service. They towed the car in, and the local garage is saying that they need to change all components that come into contact with the fuel and this is going to cost between 4-?5000 yes you read it correct. I have told them to drain the fuel flush it out and change the filters. Has anyone else had this stupid problem. and what was the final outcome. I keep kicking myself when I think how stupid i,ve been.
04-10-2006, 11:41 AM
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I dont know, it must be the other way around unleaded nozzles are smaller than diesel.
04-10-2006, 12:34 PM
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This is a bad thing to do. It is only possible to do it this way around. The diesel nozzle won't fit into an unleaded tank. Two of my work colleagues have done the same thing. They were Audi's, neither drove any distance (like yourself) but both resulted in change of filters etc costing ?500+. If any engine damage (or warranty damage 
) is caused, a few thousand is quite possible.
I would think if any damage is done, you will know about it immediately. If not, the engine may 'die' prematurely, but either way you're paying. I'd try to persuade them to let you take the risk.
Good luck
) is caused, a few thousand is quite possible.I would think if any damage is done, you will know about it immediately. If not, the engine may 'die' prematurely, but either way you're paying. I'd try to persuade them to let you take the risk.
Good luck
04-10-2006, 01:13 PM
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04-10-2006, 01:37 PM
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Originally Posted by pedlar17' post='267229' date='Apr 10 2006, 06:46 PM
I stupidly filled up my beautiful 530d engine with unleaded. I only realised as I drove off the forcourt, so stopped the car immediately (400 - 800 yards) and called bmw emergency service. They towed the car in, and the local garage is saying that they need to change all components that come into contact with the fuel and this is going to cost between 4-?5000 yes you read it correct. I have told them to drain the fuel flush it out and change the filters. Has anyone else had this stupid problem. and what was the final outcome. I keep kicking myself when I think how stupid i,ve been.
A garage near me actually made the same mistake recently and put diesel in the unleaded tank....about 30 or so cars were scuppered.
If it makes you feel better once you filled it there was nothing you could have done. Just unlocking the car with the key fob primes the fuel system.
Insurance ???
04-10-2006, 01:43 PM
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Interesting & unfortunate problem. From the AA article:
"Any petrol present can cause scarring of the pump elements, and the seals can be damaged by compounds found in petrol. The combustion efficiency of an engine designed for petrol will be very poor if it?s fed diesel fuel, and the resulting unburned fuel passing through to the exhaust can cause the catalyst to overheat."
I had no idea! It seems too easy to do and very expensive to correct.
"Any petrol present can cause scarring of the pump elements, and the seals can be damaged by compounds found in petrol. The combustion efficiency of an engine designed for petrol will be very poor if it?s fed diesel fuel, and the resulting unburned fuel passing through to the exhaust can cause the catalyst to overheat."
I had no idea! It seems too easy to do and very expensive to correct.