318i fuel tank change............

Post Sat Oct 14, 2006 9:56 am

318i, 4 door, fuel tank. How easy is it to replace?? What's involved?? How long should it take??

Anyone got a non leaky tank lying around going cheap (like the budgie!)???

Post Sat Oct 14, 2006 10:37 am

Rear of exhaust and prop have to come off, but then its just a few bolts, one nut and a few hoseclips, although a couple of the bolts are difficult to get a socket onto, as they're semi obstructed by the rear beam.
Sure it's the tank that's leaking? Where is fuel dripping from?

Post Sat Oct 14, 2006 11:10 am

Ha ha, yeah, it's leaking in about 3 or 4 places!!!!!!!! looks like it's been patched up with some kind of filler a few times before!!!!

It's in a mate's garage in bedford so i was gonna ask them to just change it if i can find a cheap tank!! If not i wanna get them to take it off and get rid anyway!!

Not even sure i'm gonna bother yet!! Bought it to break but i've gotta get it home from bedford first - drives as it is but i don't want it to be leaking everywhere, especially when i park it up at home!! So even if i get it towed back for me, tank has gotta be removed first really!!

Post Sat Oct 14, 2006 11:50 am

All the leaks I've ever seen in a tank have been right at the top or the filler stub at the lowest.
A tank less than quarter full shouldn't leak, especially when parked.
There's a drain plug on the RH side. Clean the hex socket of the plug out first and use a good quality hex key/socket to undo it. Assist with some grips on the outer edge of the plug as well.

Post Sun Oct 15, 2006 6:14 pm

Wicked, cheers Brian, at least i can drain it when i get the car home!!