E38 fuel tank

[pympster]

Hi guys, I found out today that I need a new tank in my car, I have found one on eBay from a 1998 model but don't know if it will be compatable, can anyone advise or point me in the direction of a bargain priced fuel tank please?

Thanks guys

[Mayorchuck]

There are two different size tanks for our cars, 85L and 95L. I found this out the hard way. Both will fit and all connections/hoses line up. You will just need to have the proper straps. The tank size depends on if you have SLS or not. Straps are not expensive at all if you have to change them. I went from the 95L to the 85L with no issues other than that straps. I can't say the same will be true the other way. I am sure those tanks are smaller for a reason. If you have SLS, you should be safe with either tank. Note the two different part #'s below.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=GJ83&mospid=47531&btnr=16_0193&hg=16&fg=05

[pympster]

Got a guy selling one for about £100 but my concern is the fuel pumps etc, having never seen a tank off s car I'd not know what I'm looking for but I'm assured that all E38 tanks fit all E38 variants and it's just the pumps that vary but are interchangeable
Can anyone confirm this to clear up my concerns please?

[Mayorchuck]

You have fuel pump and fuel level sensor attached to the top cap on one side, passenger in the US. There is a fuel level sensor attached to the cap on the opposite side. You can check realoem.com to verify the part numbers are the same for the facelift cars but I am almost certain your pump will fit in any e38 tank you get.

[Bigmax]

There's basically two styles of tanks (aside from size)... I'll just call them old style and new style. The old style was in cars from '95 to the middle of '97 and the new style is from mid '97 to '01. Check realoem.com to see the part number change.

All the tanks have a fuel inlet (lower rear passenger side), fuel pump outlet (top passenger side & goes down to the lower front passenger side via a hard tube), return port (port on lower front passenger side next to fuel pump outlet), fuel filler vent port (see below), and two smaller vent ports (See below - I believe these both go to the charcoal canister in the rear driver side wheel well).

On the old style thel fuel filler vent port is on the top passenger side of the tank (see picture) and the two smaller vent ports are on the top driver side of the tank (see picture). The new style tanks swapped the fuel filler vent port and one of the smaller vent ports.

The fuel filler vent and the two smaller vent ports all seem to just be ports to the inside of the tank.

Other than that, the fuel pump and level sensors (provided you're using the same size tank) are all the same for the E38.

The pictures are of the tank that was in my '95... be aware when you're shopping for a new one as most don't know the differences and if you can get the same style tank it will make things a lot easier. However, either tank will work.

[Jaaap]

The pre 97 you refer to is the "16 11 1 181 867" which is the only 85liter petrol.
The post 97 you refer to is the "16 11 1 182 044" which is the only 95liter petrol.

You may be right that the 95l and the 85l have different vent tube locations.

[iDreadnaught]

OP, what's your location?

EDIT: Just realized the date of the original post, hopefully this has been resolved by now.

[cbtech]

new tank cost more than my car is worth :( until my jb steel stick and undercoating is spotted on an inspection, its all it gets. i plugged my pinhole 3 years ago. i'm lucky so far