7 series Fuel Tank Change

[eltax91]

I've spotted what could possibly be my first move into bargain bargery!

There is a 7 series local to me (728i), which is a 1997 car. It's had the engine replace after 10k miles for the Nakisil issue, but there is 1 fault with it. If you fill the car over 1/4 of a tank, there is a fuel leak.

Does anyone know how difficult it is to change the tank/ required part on these and how much they cost? This car is going up for sale next week if i'm not interested, but i can have it as is for about 75% of what i've seen them go for on ebay/ trader etc.

[rassi]

Doesn't look too difficult to replace it, but a bit pricey ($800) according to this link: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.do?model=GE22&a...

[NickXX]

rassi said:

Doesn't look too difficult to replace it, but a bit pricey ($800) according to this link: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.do?model=GE22&a...

Realoem prices are very inaccurate. Would be worth getting a quote off a dealer for the part or off Fabdirect.com for a used part.

[< FORZA WEST]

Its a labour intensive job if anything,takes 4-5 hours to replace.They tend to crack on the left hand saddle.

[lance1a]

Yup, not a nice job. Prop shaft, exhaust, and loads of crud encrusted high torque bolts. A mechanics money is well earned on this type of work.

[B19GRR]

Check this thread out:
http://www.bmwland.co.uk/talker/viewtopic.php?t=52...

Definitely non-trivial and very anti-bargain!!

Cheers,
Rob

[sniff petrol]

I don't know the 7 series to work on but on my E36 touring the rear brake pipes had to be replaced for an MOT by the previous owner and to get to them the tank had to come off at great expense so it may be worth changing them whilst you've got easy access to them, even if they don't need doing immediatley.

I once changed a tank on a MK3 Chavalier 2.0 for a colleague, took about 3-4 hours doing it myself on the driveway.

[Puddenchucker]

Depending on where the actual leak is and how big the hole/split you may be able to patch it with something like this stuff: Petro-patch
I think this stuff is MOT freindly, but it's probably best to check first.

[sniff petrol]

It least no one's suggested welding it.

[Vixpy1]

You should try welding it

[jagdpanther]

Vixpy1 said:

You should try welding it

forget the E38 and buy an E32

[MitchT]

eltax91 said:

If you fill the car over 1/4 of a tank, there is a fuel leak.

Whip it off and turn it upside down. That way you'll be able to fill it 3/4 full before it starts leaking

HTH

[lance1a]

Try squirting Polly Filla expanding foam into the tank, it seals the hole but you might have to fill up a bit more often.