BMW E38 728i - OH NO, MOT FAIL!!!

Post Mon Jan 12, 2015 10:14 pm

Fuel tank is a mission, they usually split across the bottom, remove, drain, wash out and weld, then refit.

Post Mon Jan 12, 2015 10:15 pm

Hope you paid feck all for it!

Post Mon Jan 12, 2015 10:20 pm

The main concern is the fuel tank. Did you ask where it was leaking from?

Post Mon Jan 12, 2015 11:17 pm

E38 fuel tanks.

The can split across rthew base but welding them can melt the plastic fuel pump holder that sits on top. They also rot like a bastard all around the seams and where the rubber filler hose fits. Rather than welding, empty the tank, fill it with water to expel the fumes and grind the rust out before fibreglassing it.

A new tank is around a grand and there are no aftermarket ones.

Post Tue Jan 13, 2015 7:57 am

Andyboy wrote:E38 fuel tanks.

A new tank is around a grand and there are no aftermarket ones.

All E38's are on borrowed time then

I can't see there being much demand for anyone to start manufacturing tanks now when I bet a lot of them have already gone to the scrappers

Post Tue Jan 13, 2015 10:36 pm

part no.879110201 euro's £414.00 in stock!

Post Wed Jan 14, 2015 7:02 pm

The worst part is the Tank good used ones are thin on the ground!

we haven't had one in a while!

The control arms are not too bad If I remember correctly I bought Meyle items from ECP

I replaced all mine on my last one, makes a world of a difference in the drive too!

Post Wed Jan 14, 2015 7:24 pm

Fiber gash doesnt work, well, it will last a few weeks for a sales car but thats about it.

Post Fri Jan 16, 2015 9:02 pm

Well I've had the car up on the ramp and the tank is pretty much gone

Leaking near the fuel filler but is rusting around the edges/seams. Not sure it is repairable

Going to try and find a used one

Funny thing is that on the previous MOT, there were no advisories at all

Dodgy/bent MOT me thinks

Post Fri Jan 16, 2015 9:23 pm

Andyboy wrote:E38 fuel tanks.

The can split across rthew base but welding them can melt the plastic fuel pump holder that sits on top. They also rot like a bastard all around the seams and where the rubber filler hose fits. Rather than welding, empty the tank, fill it with water to expel the fumes and grind the rust out before fibreglassing it.
.

Don't fibre glass it, it won't bond to metal, well, it will for a time, then slowly peel off. Bad news.

Post Fri Jan 16, 2015 9:24 pm

Edit, just seen Dans post, ditto then

Post Fri Jan 16, 2015 9:41 pm

Is it a big job to remove the tank?

Can it be done on the drive? Thinking of taking it out and seeing how bad it is!

Post Fri Jan 16, 2015 10:48 pm

Propshaft and exhaust off. Be aware that 728i tanks are not the same as V8 ones. Not sure if a V8 tank with fit a 728i but definitely not vice versa.

Post Sun Jan 18, 2015 9:33 pm

Trying to find a 'good' tank is proving to be a problem, most are rusted and sellers still want £200

Going to try and salvage the original tank, dropped it off at a local garage for repair work.

Lesson, always check the underneath thoroughly

Post Sun Jan 18, 2015 9:42 pm

I have a good tank

Post Sun Jan 18, 2015 9:45 pm

I'm getting mine repaired but how much and any pics?