E46 Possible Fuel Leak

[mjcneat]

Hey all,

Seem to have a leak on my E46 320d saloon. Last week I stupidly filled up to the brim which I never do. Looking at the price on the fuel pump rather than my car and looked down to see fuel overflowing out of the cap, the handle on the pump didn't "click" for some reason but nevermind. Cleaned up the excess fuel and cleaned the car to get rid of any remaining fuel on the bodywork.

Fast forward a week and I've noticed drips coming from the underside of the car. They seem to be roughly under where the front passenger seat is. I'm unable to get a good look under the car until Friday but I would like to get it sorted or put my mind at ease before then. Can anyone advise if this is where fuel lines etc are positioned and likely to leak? If not, is there a diagram of the underside of the car anywhere? I did have a feel around and had a look at the liquid, It's definitely diesel.

It's not a massive leak but it's probably not a good idea to have fuel dripping around everywhere.

Thanks,
Matt

[john_p]

The fuel filter is located under the front passenger seat, and the fuel line is connected to it via flexible rubber pipes.

It's possible the pipes have perished, or the clips come loose somehow. Maybe fuel dripped down from some sort of overflow?

You can see the rear rubber pipe if you nip underneath with a torch, the front one will require the removal of the cover - socket set and probably the car on axle stands to get enough clearance.

Leave the car overnight and then turn the ignition on and have a look underneath - you'll soon see drips or puddles if there is a problem!

[phelix]

Are you sure it's fuel? Have you been running the AC? Could easily be the normal water collected from the AC system which dumps out underneath the car.

[mjcneat]

Funnily enough I have actually been using the AC recently for the first time in almost a year. Just the smell of the liquid definitely smells like diesel. Any way to find out?

[phelix]

taste it? If it evaporates without a trace it's water.

[pistonhed]

have just bought a 2002 320d saloon and failed MOT today for a fuel leak from the same spot, so I came try and find out what it was! I realise this is a long time since you've posted but did you ever find out what it was causing the leak? Matthew