E36 fuel flap won't stay closed when unlocked

[beeeamer 0]

the fuel flap on my e36 sedan won't stay shut when the car is unlocked. if i hold the flap shut and lock the car, it'll lock shut no worries but as soon as i unlock the car it'll swing open.

any ideas? there doesn't appear to be anything for the flap to click into to hold it shut when unlocked.

[Yuen 16]

You're right - there is nothing to hold it shut. It should stay closed by itself. Try oiling the hinge - e.g. WD40 and hopefully it fixes it. Otherwise I'd buy a new hinge. Not sure if the dealer sells them separately, but if not any wrecker should be able to help.

[kerry 10]

it will just be the spring on the hinge.

[matt45 1]

mine does this sometimes too .... i have found taking the spring out and puting it back in or simply giving it a good slam shut fixes it.

[oscar90 0]

my E30 was like that...CRC/WD40 it up real good, mines like new now!

[beeeamer 0]

hah, tried some CRC on the hinge and it worked perfect, thanks!

[Yuen 16]

Good work!