Help with E3? fuel tank...

dang

dang

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I just purchased this fuel tank that was suppose to be out of a '74 E3. My E3 is a '69. From everything that I read and was told, all E3 tanks are suppose to at least fit in the space/cutout in the floor but have some other minor differences that wouldn't keep them from interchanging. Here's a couple photos of the tanks. New one on the left, original '69 on the right. They aren't even the same shape where the flange mounts.

I can get better photos if needed, the lighting was weird when I took these.

Any ideas?
 

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Might be like in the E9’s, upto 73 tanks are installed from within the trunk whereas 74/75’s from underneath the car?
Not interchangeable
 
Keshav said:
Might be like in the E9’s, upto 73 tanks are installed from within the trunk whereas 74/75’s from underneath the car?
Not interchangeable
Click to expand...

In addition to that, early e9 tanks had less capacity. They probably tied the capacity change to the engine displacement.
 
Here's another shot. Not even close to the same size.
 

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The e3 gas tanks changed from 75L to 78.9L at the Model 74 Bavaria. I think you new tank isn't e3 at all, the angle of the filler neck is all wrong, especially if the center bumper shock required the tank to be narrower in the center. And what is the second opening for? It could be e12 perhaps?
 
This was the tank Sooner had and posted photos of. Most agreed that it was the same as the early ones, or would work with just some minor differences. I'm now out $335 (mostly shipping) for a tank I can't use, and worse, back to looking for another one.
 
HB Chris said:
The e3 gas tanks changed from 75L to 78.9L at the Model 74 Bavaria. I think you new tank isn't e3 at all, the angle of the filler neck is all wrong, especially if the center bumper shock required the tank to be narrower in the center. And what is the second opening for? It could be e12 perhaps?
Click to expand...

Looks like it matches the tank found on @GolfBavaria ’s ‘73. That second indentation looks like it is for the 3.0si setup. See the 1976 ebay ad below:
44465ADD-2C9F-427B-901D-E8666C641A99.jpeg


www.ebay.com

1976 BMW 3.0 Si E3 Fuel Gas Tank The new six | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 1976 BMW 3.0 Si E3 Fuel Gas Tank The new six at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com

Also, Here is an ad for a 1970 tank with the same design As the problem tank:

1970 BMW e3 2500 & 3.0. N.O.S Fuel Tank 1111534. For Sale | Car and Classic

1970 BMW e3 2500 & 3.0. N.O.S Fuel Tank 1111534. For Sale
www.carandclassic.co.uk www.carandclassic.co.uk
 
I know mine is original to '69 but all the other tanks look different. I guess they changed the trunk floor for some reason too.
 
dang said:
I just purchased this fuel tank that was suppose to be out of a '74 E3. My E3 is a '69. From everything that I read and was told, all E3 tanks are suppose to at least fit in the space/cutout in the floor but have some other minor differences that wouldn't keep them from interchanging. Here's a couple photos of the tanks. New one on the left, original '69 on the right. They aren't even the same shape where the flange mounts.

I can get better photos if needed, the lighting was weird when I took these.

Any ideas?
Click to expand...
The tank on the left is certainly a 74 tank. They’re narrower due to the “bracing” added to the sides of the trunk behind each wheel well. That’s why there are no trunk caddies in later cars. 74’s also had fuel vapor return line like the tank on the left.

F9D48015-479E-42C4-85BF-6CA58D6D4A74.jpeg
 
For now I may see if I can make the new one work, at least temporarily. I had mentally checked off the fuel system as something to deal with so if I can get the new tank to mount well enough it will bide me some time.
 
The 73 parts car I had a few years ago had a 74 tank. A PO capped the return line and cut a piece of plywood to take up the extra space to the right of the tank. Im not recommending plywood just saying it’s been done.
Also I’m pretty sure all e3 tanks install from the top or inside the trunk.
 
From my experience when the top/bottom flange joint start to open up like that (as seen on the new one) it's because rust is in the joint and causing it to expand.
 
e9john said:
From my experience when the top/bottom flange joint start to open up like that (as seen on the new one) it's because rust is in the joint and causing it to expand.
Click to expand...
I'll inspect it really good but the inside of the tank is 100 times better than the original. I'm hoping I can make it work.
 
Dick Steinkamp said:
Here is mine if it helps. 9/71 production 3.0 Bavaria
Click to expand...
So yours looks like an early one with the additional recessed area. For me, at this point it doesn't really matter anymore since I can afford another tank. I'll make the one I have work.
 
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