New coolant expansion tank - problem solved!

OK, as indicated, this is the old tank we all know and love. A bit opaque with age, but it works until it fails:

You can clearly see the major mounting point(s).....

Mine failed when the threading for the level sensor split  :shock:

OK so, are you sitting comfortably? This is the new tank design:

Reverse side:

BMW even throw in a new level sensor for free! And finally, the top view:

Looks broadly similar, right?  Well....errm...no..... and this is why:

Dunno who designed the new tank, but he can't have looked inside an E24 engine bay recently. Where do the new mounting points bolt to?

Any thoughts on this? Possible solutions?

Remember this is the design which allegedly supersedes our old originals. If you order a new tank, this is what you'll be getting, more likely than not.

AndyS wrote: First thoughts are a piece of L-shaped mild steel plate bolting to the original mount with the new tank mounting onto the arm of the steel plate. I'm sure a bit of thought may come up with a more elegant solution.

Aftermarket opportunity?

UPDATE at 17th August 2006: Motormec, who supplied the tank, and who have never got it wrong before, maintain that this is the only type now available. Certainly the packaging had the correct part no. on it - 17 11 1 707 505 - but the tank itself is in fact the earlier pattern for Sixes made before May 1982.

So, at further expense , I have ordered the same part number from *gasp* a BMW stealer and tomorrow (Friday) we find out what they come up with......