Correct Fuel Tank - One More Time

[cory58]

Sorry to beat a dead horse, but I'm still relatively new to E12s and don't want to make an expensive mistake.

I need to replace the fuel tank on my 530i. I've read several threads, and am fairly sure I need the later tank. Here are the details of my car.

6/77 production
fuel filler on the right rear fender

Per RealOEM, the fuel tank for my car is NLA (part #16111176554).

Just to confirm one last time, the 528i tank (part #16111176518) will fit my car, correct?

Thanks, Cory

[Mike W.]

I believe it will, although I haven't personally verified it, but you will need a new suction device and sending unit. 528i's use a prepump combined with the pickup.

[T.Hanson]

Trying to be helpful, throwing out ideas from the bleachers.

I have an '81 633 tank in the garage rafters. Solid, save for some interior surface rust to be dealt with correctly before installing. Having removed it myself it was no big deal. Consult the parts drawing, remove the bolts and fuel lines, drop the tank.
I should add, removing rusted bolts is about patience. Penetrating oil, waiting. Heat. A hair dryer, heat gun, paying attention to their effects, please no gasoline fumes. The correct metric socket or wrenches. You can try, feel what is happening by hand, or use a compressed air tool for the shock value. One way or the other. Fastener removes or you are off to buy the taps.

Is your 530i tank in need of replacement by choice or rust ? Once it is out, perhaps comparing the shape to the parts drawings or photos will lessen the mystery.

Snooping around on the net I found a local BMW junk, oops, salvage facility. Won't it be great if you can do the same and compare side by side before you buy ?

From other experience, the sending unit, prepump Mike refers to are not cheap and have fuel / breather lines going every which way.

[cory58]

Thanks for the replies! I hadn't thought about the change in the sender, so that info is extremely helpful. I don't want to hack the wiring or change to a different sender/pre-pump.

The tank is leaking from the top, on the right side (facing the fill tube). Probably rust. The entire underside of the car was coated by the selling dealer back in 1977, but I'm guessing the coating didn't make it to the top of the tank.

I was ok paying the crazy price for a new tank, so that the replacement could be done in one day, but knowing now that the newer style tank won't be plug and play, it looks like I will be searching for someone to repair a gas tank in Charlotte, NC.

Thanks again!

Cory

[s52e368]

i have two tanks i need to move ...

parts are .

16111176554 from my 77
16111176518 from an 80

im in winston salem!

email me .

carl.pardue@gmail.com