Wanted! E38 728i petrol tank

Words like Rocking Horse Poo and Hens Teeth sping to mind.

All the rest of the E38 range share a common petrol tank, but the 728i is model specific. Just my luck. Filled it up for the first time since buying it, and I've lost a third of a tank over my drive overnight. Not funny.

Dealers want £570 (and that's discounted), ECP and GSF have none in stock and I've phone ALL the BMW breakers in the country... and there's none. I can get a 730/735/740/750 tank, but that's an incorrect part number.

Anyone got one...? Long shot I know... please help me.

Giles


Edited by Geeman

Yup... I've tried PartsGateway, and every other breaker I could find on the internet... Beginning to think the bargain I bought at the beginning of the week is not so much of a bargain anymore!

Oh well... I'll keep searching and praying!

by the way - do you only have the problem if you fill it to the brim? could it be some kind of expansion overflow valve opening but not closing off in time to only let the minimum out? I know there is some kind of issue with brimming the 7 series tank.

Here's a few longshots:-

BM SPARES
01233 713447

DIY MOTORIST
01304 366666

Fritz’s bits no is 01823 669425 (Richard)
www.fritzsbits.co.uk

For more information email us at sales@laserchrom.com
or call Stuart on 01634 295 003
http://www.laserchrom.com/index.htm


www.wallothnesch.com (German site, so make sure you say for RHD)

Colchester cars and spares
http://www.angusbmw.co.uk

just thought - bmw might not be prepared to say if one of the other tanks will fit but a good helpful indy might be prepared to tell you. Don't give up hope just yet (and take your hand off that hen's neck)

that's a tough call. I say go for it! You could probably recoup some of your outlay on ebay if it does turn out to be a dud - and if it is we can start a hate campain of bombarding him with stupid requests to teach him a lesson.

Doive... asked for the part number via e-mail, we'll see what turns up. What part number do I need anyway????

Nice Eta you have. Sold mine yesterday and new owner picks it up tomorrow... '85 on a B with 67k on the clock!

Asked Indy's about other tanks, they reckon to stay safe and fit a 728 unit as the others might foul exhausts, having incompatible fixings / joints, etc...

The search continues...

I think the part number is 16111183145 - am I right?


Edited by Geeman

Hi mate you want to mend the leak with Chemical Metal that is what i use to repair petrol tanks with it works a treat.

Giles - you've still got the 525e to use, so take the
tank out of the 728i (a fun, fun job) and get it welded.
You'll of course need to fill it with water completely
and leave it overnight to purge the fumes, but once
welded you can cover the repair with stuff called PRC
(petrol resistent compound) - I've no idea where to
get it though! Chemical metal might indeed do the
trick but I really would weld it first.

B*llocks to spending £500 plus on a fuel tank for a
ten year old car.

The 728i tank is different because the V8 and V12
cars have two exhaust systems running along under
the car.

BTW the silver 525e has it's 325i head conversion all
done and finished. I've been using it of late, goes
pretty well. Someone wants the autobox though so
it's coming to bits end of the month!

giles  matey

just get the tank off the motor and i will get it seam welded in your home town..just be prepered for the booze bill and not the fuel bill

let me know mate and i will pop by yours and pick it up for you