[Bimmer335i]

I used to pump while having the engine running occasionally with my previous car. But with the E90, can you even do that though? I thought if you have the engine running, the gas tank cap wouldn't even open therefore you cannot pump gas. Correct me if I'm wrong. In any case better safe than sorry...I just shut the enginee off and pump away, and my pain begins at that point (emptying my wallet on gas!)

Enjoy the ride!

[scottwww]

Originally Posted by OzStriker

The issue regarding mobile phones I believe is the small possibility of dropping the phone, having the battery become detached from the phone and the terminals on the battery shorting on something.

With the way some people drive when they are talking on their cellphone, maybe this is a practical consideration. You wouldn't want someone on their cellphone to pull out the pump nozzle while it is still pumping gas, or to simply forget that the nozzle was still in the tank and drive off.

[Kiemyster]

Originally Posted by gonzo

I heard talking on a cell phone while pumping gas is not a great idea either????

mythbusters proved that it was

[OzStriker]

Did Mythbusters short out a Lithium battery by any chance?

Lithiums are capable of incredibly high discharge rates and creating lots of heat and fire.

Youtube has some entertaining vidoes if you search for "LiPo explosion"

[Ru$$ell]

^i actually did this with my really old motorola v80 couple years ago,the thing really caught fire when i bridged the positive and neg connection,and alot of fire too!

[txusa03]

Originally Posted by Russell2nr

^i actually did this with my really old motorola v80 couple years ago,the thing really caught fire when i bridged the positive and neg connection,and alot of fire too!

Now you really make me nervous. Cigarette and now cell phone, what is next

[Kiemyster]

rest assured. if your cell phone was made after 2000, your good.

[samwoo2go]

Originally Posted by txusa03

I admit it makes me feel uncomfortable. But I also have occasionally seen people pull up into a pump station and get out of the car with a lid cigarette still in their mouth

Mythbuster did a test and it showed that cigs CAN'T actually ignite gasoline, the cherry is just not hot enough. and I tried it on my own too...its true, the cig just gets put out.

[SoYank]

Virginia Motor Vehicle Code, § 46.2-819.4. Smoking in proximity to gas pumps; penalty.

Any person who smokes or uses an open flame within 20 feet of a pump used to fuel motor vehicles or a fueling tanker being used to deliver gasoline to a gasoline station is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor if smoking or the use of an open flame is prohibited by a sign at the pump. Any person who causes a fire or explosion as a result of a violation of this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

I couldn't find anything in Virginia's MVC requiring the engine to be turned off while refueling.

[Kiemyster]

the thing about smoking near a pump:

the actual smoking isnt a problem. but if u whip out your lighter, thats the kiss of death. youd be amazed of how many people are so stupid.

[Voltigeur]

Never (now). Caused my e39's warning light to come on.

[floridaorange]

Originally Posted by Park2670

Dont forget it will most likely turn on your check engine light. The fuel system is a pressurized system and will set a leak fault if the pressure goes away.

👏

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by Entitled Prick

I have a 2020 x3 with 36k miles on it at dealership now having charcoal canister replaced because I refill with engine running.

You've set a record for reviving an old thread. 17 years. That's impressive.

Love your user name. You'll fit right in.

[Weather Man]

Used to in the winter, but now there are too many ferals around.

[xander_g]

done it a couple of times when shutting the car off meant it wouldn't start again

[TargaM2]

Refilling with the engine running, while using a mobile, while smoking, are all illegal here (with good reason) & attempting to do either will generally result in the console operator shutting down your bowser. Some of you Americans sure are an unnecessarily entitled bunch of morons at times.

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by xander_g

done it a couple of times when shutting the car off meant it wouldn't start again

Yeah, did this when I was young and had a car that may or may not start again.

[P1]

Cannot think of the last time I shut off the Duramax when throwing a tank of diesel in her. But then again, diesels get a break from this "shutting off an engine when refueling" rule. I am not shutting her down when the engine and turbos are hot.

[Joralemon st.]

I do it. As my friend says — condoms are for cowards.

[cozye]

I think its ok as long as you are using winter tires.

[chowser51]

been gassing up the work car while it was running for the past 26 years. never exploded. even the ford exploders never exploded.

[vreihen16]

What is this "gas" thing that everyone speaks of? For that matter, what is an "engine" and why does it need to run? Neither are mentioned in my BMW's owners manual.....