The inside rear 3/4 panel with the trim off, Fuel filler side? I really need to see if the rear (inside the car) of where the fuel flap is located, so I can see if I can reach where the locking mechanism/ pin is located to the fuel flap.

My actuators gone and I need to relocate the cable to its hole in the side of the fuel flap, but not sure how. My arm wont quite reach through the access panel in the boot!

picture (or advice ) anyone please?

 

Don't know if this will help:

 

I'd guess, and it appears so from the above pic, that you could remove the wheel well liner and see it all....

 

Yeah, found this on RealOEM which did help to see how its constructed, but not how I can reach it! Thanks

Still after a pic from the interior with panel off if anyones got one?

 

That is something I'd not thought of, but potentially a much easier plan than removing the interior trim?!

Does anyone know if the car is double skinned here so I couldn't reach it this way, or could this be the easiest way of reaching it?

I wonder how the BMW techs do it? Im tempted to just call up and ask them outright in the workshop?!

 

I remembered seeing this on the net, its instructions on how to replace the gas cap on a NON S Mini. Im sure the pictures can help you though.

http://www.outmotoring.com/images/how_to/Fillercap.pdf

 

I could swear our MINIs had an emergency fuel filler release handle in the rear access panel...

...actually that's it in the image. It is item #13. You can find it through the access panel on the driver's side.

 

When in doubt, call the service guy at the Mini dealer. You can usually get free advice.

 

Very useful guide! Thanks. Sadly, confirms that I can't reach it by taking the arch liner out as the cable must pass between the skin next to the filler pipe in Pic 13 & the outer body of the car I thought it might, but this would have been an easy solution!

Must have to take off the entire inner trim (still need a pic to confirm you can see it from inside the car though) or get a skinnier and longer arm to reach through that service hatch in the boot!

 

Did you look to see if you have the emergency fuel door release handle?

 

Yeah, got the emergncy handle on the actuator but I need to replace my actuator as its broken (its making a horid buzzing/ screeching type noise for about a second when I push the unlock button on the fob, as if the teeth have stripped or in the mech. or something?).

Luckily I can still open the fuel flap at the mo, as oddly despite the noise, the actuator still moves the pin and unlocks the fuel cap!?

 

Hmm. I thought the handle pulled on the pin itself, which basically bypasses the actuator.

So the emergency handle doesn't work for you?

 

Not tried it, the actuator still activates the pin so not needed to try it. Its just the horrible broken 'screeching' noise its creating thats making me wanna change it. The cable & pin are all part of the actuator so when I change it its all gottta come out .... & go back!

 

Oh ok, gotcha. I must have misread your OP. I thought the actuator went out and you needed to get the fuel door open.

 

Reaching in that access hatch in the trunk is the only way. If you take the interior panels off, and the speakers, you can't access the thing because of the filler tube and the tight space.

My locking gas cap started to make this noise, so I just unplugged the solenoid through that access hatch. So it doesn't lock now. Don't tell anyone.

 

FREE GAS IN LINCOLN, NE!

 

Cough & gag.... I never did learn how to siphon gas w/ a garden hose...

 

Hand crank pump should do nicely. I wonder if Black and Decker still makes the Jackrabbit Pump. Those were great!

 

They do, and I've seen some others that you can attach your cordless drill to.

 

Hmmm. Just out of interest, can you reach the end where the cable locates at the fuel cap through that access hatch, or can anyone else for that matter??
Test it out for me, it'll only take 2 seconds next time your in the boot!

If thats the only way, maybe I just have particulary unsuitable arms for the job!

 

Right, have a new plan. Thought if i remove the rear light cluster I might be able to get my arm in straight and reach it! Off to find a DIY light removal thread

 

My arms are unnaturally long, so yeah, I reached the plug.

 

I have also noticed that I seem to have a bracket in the way stopping my arm from reaching it? Cirlced below.

I noticed when someone on another forum posted up a similar pic looking through the service hatch, they did not have this bolted in place, which might explain why my arm wont go in there! What is this thing I've circled?
Im sure this is why some people can reach round there & I cant!

Do you have this bracket in place?

 

Right. The answer to this problem is remove the rear light cluster! One nut, take the light out and reach straight in. Simple as that. Its easy when you know

Thanks all you guys that have helped out with suggestions