Charging Port Cover doesn't open

[Grantdu]

Hi all. I’m new to the forum. Bought a 2021 120ah in August. Has anyone experienced a stuck charging port cover and if so, is there a fix?
The workaround is to access the backup pull cord inside the rear passenger side door. This is very inconvenient!
Thanks in advance.

 

[Mondomensch]

Hopefully your car is still under warranty (in the US, four years) and will be fixed by dealer.

I have read that there can be an issue with adjustment of the solenoid that releases the charging hatch.

This thread suggests rusting:
https://www.mybmwi3.com/threads/charging-port-cover-sticking.18163/

This thread talks about progressive failure of the hatch actuator:
https://www.mybmwi3.com/threads/charging-port-door-grinding-sound-when-opened.4203/

I believe some YouTube videos about the i3 (eg from Wisely Auto in the UK) mention this as a not uncommon issue.

 

[mfogarty]

It may be that the hatch is just stuck slightly and some silicon spray could help sort it (don't use WD-40). Just spray a small amount onto a toothbrush and brush it around the latch mechanism. Worked a treat on mine about 3 months ago.

 

[mojo]

And one other point - don't delay getting it fixed! The pull-cord backup is not (IMO) a well-engineered solution, and it is prone to breaking (in fairness, it was not designed to be used on a daily basis). You then have to remove the side panel of the car to fix the backup...

 

[alohart]

Hi all. I’m new to the forum. Bought a 2021 120ah in August. Has anyone experienced a stuck charging port cover and if so, is there a fix?

Just to eliminate one possibility: the charge port door won't open if the car's doors are locked. However, you had to unlock the doors to access the emergency pull cable, so locked doors probably isn't the cause.

 

[Roberto5621]

Hi all. I’m new to the forum. Bought a 2021 120ah in August. Has anyone experienced a stuck charging port cover and if so, is there a fix?
The workaround is to access the backup pull cord inside the rear passenger side door. This is very inconvenient!
Thanks in advance.

This may not be your problem but being a new I3 owner myself, I found out that if you lock the door of your I3 and try to charge the system the charging port will not open. I know, pretty dumb, but did not know the charging port could be locked.