I pump Shell everytime and everywhere. For the most part, my other Japanese cars can easily be refuel without any problem. When the tank is full, the pump "pops" the lever. I press a couple more times to top off, and I'm done.

I noticed on the bimmer, the pump "pops" off the lever every 10 seconds sometimes. Hence, refueling can be very frustrating. For whatever reason, the fuel hole in the bimmer is causing the gas pump to "pop" the lever as if the gas tank is full, when in fact, I'm near empty and have only pumped 2 gallons of fuel. This happens at several Shell stations that have the pump vapor covers on it.

Could someone enlighten me on why it happens this way and how to avoid the pump rematurely "pop" the lever?

 

That rarely happens to me. Whenever it does I reposition the nozzle and everything is ok after that. I've had it happen with other cars as well so I don't think it's a bimmer problem.

 

Gasoline nozzles have a small hole at the end that becomes blocked when gasoline rises to the top of the tank. Once this happens, the pressure drops inside a valve system built into the pump. This cuts off the gas flow. Consequently, the position of the nozzle is important. Make sure you insert the nozzle with the small hole down (towards the ground) and that you insert and tilt the handle down. This will insure that the shut off mechanism works properly.

If you are interested in reading more about how the automatic shut off works see this site:

http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1_263.html

 

Used to have this problem on a Toyota, but never on the E60

 

http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=4285

http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=7612

 

I learned, as a child many years ago.... that when you place a gas pump all the way into the refueling door, it often will shut-off early. When this occurs, you must reposition the gas pump so that it is not pushed all the way in. You pull the pump out just a bit, and then lower the handle towards the ground. The pump will catch and come to rest in a different position.

Then just continue to pump normally.

It works every time for me.... at every station.

 

Funnily enough in my car (diesel) the nozzle won't go in very far at all. I seem to recall that there are deliberate size differences to stop you filling up diesels with petrol by mistake.

Anyway, don't usually have problems with cut off - but, in my experience quite often you get a dodgy pump that shuts off all the time.

I sometimes complain to the cashier and they grunt and shrug.