How To Refill A Bmw Fountain Pen.

[Larrabeiti]

Dear FPN members,

a couple of weeks ago, I bought a BMW fountain pen in an antiques fair. I suppose of course that someone else made the pen for them, but I have no idea who it might have been, because the only logo on the pen is BMW. Although, when you read what follows, you will maybe agree with me that the maker of this pen did not know much about the *very* basic of fountain pens...

 

The pen feels sturdy and the touch of the material is fine. It is also ergonomic. The nib is a B, and it writes very well. I know because I have dipped the pen in water and it is still dirty with ink, so it writes.

 

However, I have no idea how to refill this pen.

I have turned, pulled and pushed on both sides and nothing moves. Literally does not move at all. I have no idea whatsoever how to refill this pen.

 

Anyone can help?

 

Thanks in advance.

 

In this old post, someone has the matching ballpen and was asking for a picture of the fountain pen.

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/215674-bmw-ballpen-fountainpen/

Well, here are the pictures.

 

Mikel

[NinthSphere]

I would guess that the shiny "not-section" would have to unscrew from the barrel. It's the only thing that makes sense.

[AAAndrew]

Or the nib unscrews.

[stephanos]

Or you turn the knob at the back of the barrel, to release the section. There's a Graf-von-Faber-Castell pen that opens like that, I believe.

 

If you've tried pushing, pulling and turning at both ends, and have had no joy, then perhaps the old ink is acting as a kind of glue - try soaking the pen in water overnight.

 

Please let us know how you get on.

 

 

Note that soaking pens in water is not appropriate for every pen. Some old pens will discolour (ebonite) or even disintegrate (casein) if left submerged in water for too long. I'm only suggesting this as an option if you cannot otherwise get the pen open, given that the pen is all metal and not a proper vintage model.

[NinthSphere]

Or the nib unscrews.

 

Could be the case, just seems like a needlessly messy/risky way to go about a refill if it was designed that way.

[bobs51]

Are you sure it's a fountain pen? Maybe its meant to be used as a dip pen, and doesn't refill at all.

[bobs51]

Just tried a Google search, and noted that BMW dealers are still selling pen sets, although not the same model you have. If you have a BMW dealer nearby, you might stop at the Parts Department... if there's someone there old enough to remember your pen, he might be able to advise how to fill it.

[RocketRyan]

This would consume me.

[Inkdot]

I can really visualise this:

 

A man at the BMW parts department: "I need an ink change for my BMW."

 

The BMW guy: "Certainly sir, what model and year?"

Edited September 9, 2017 by Inkdot

[chromantic]

Have you thought of contacting BMW headquarters? Surely someone there must know.

[dadbar]

How BMW....a pen you have to take to the dealer for a refill.

 

The section must just unscrew from the barrel.....use a rubber potholder for better grip and give it a good turn. It;s probably just stuck from dried out ink.

[Bo Bo Olson]

Soak first then if dried ink.....

[oscar1999]

Maybe it fills like this if the barrel end turns?

 

Edited October 9, 2017 by oscar1999

[wsuman]

I would guess that the shiny "not-section" would have to unscrew from the barrel. It's the only thing that makes sense.

I have the same pen. Don't think there's ever been ink in it, so unlikely it's dried up shut.

 

I have the same issue, actually why I looked you guys up.

 

The barrel has two flats and a round cylinder at the end.

 

That cylinder spins, but won't release, like it's captured vs threaded.

 

It won't move in / out, so it isn't a pump and the nib assembly appears fixed.

 

Bottom line is that I have been fussing with it for months and am about to take a Dremel to it, just to

• find out how it works and
• get it out of my mysery

 

Mikel, tell me you have solved the mystery, please!

 

Walt

[jar]

The end turns to release the section. Turn the end widdershins to release the section. Keep turning with the nib pointed up so it does not fall out and you will see the section coming out. To re-secure it put the section back in the pen and turn the end counter widdershins.

[wsuman]

I have the same pen.

 

Never filled, and I can't figuire out how to do so.

 

The nib is fixed and the small cylinder at the other end spins but won't unthread, or otherwise come off. Nor does it move in or out for pumping.

 

Would love some advice on how to get into it.

 

I'm about ready to Dremel, just to know what's inside.

 

Walt

[KaB]

How BMW....a pen you have to take to the dealer for a refill.

 

 

[wspohn]

The end turns to release the section. Turn the end widdershins to release the section. Keep turning with the nib pointed up so it does not fall out and you will see the section coming out. To re-secure it put the section back in the pen and turn the end counter widdershins.

 

"Counter widdershins"?

 

You mean deasil.....?

[wsuman]

 

"Counter widdershins"?

 

You mean deasil.....?

I'm confused, too. In fact, until just now I thought it might even be foreign...like Canadian. Disproved by John.

 

To be clear, I've never performed a 'Counter widdershins'. It's not coming up on YouTube.

 

What is the degree of difficulty?

 

Walt

Seattle

[AAAndrew]

What is the degree of difficulty?

 

 

Slightly less difficult than a Counter Widdershins with a one-and-a-half twist off the high platform. But there's always one judge who will give you a 4.