Can I put a US gas tank in a Euro car?

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thehackmechanic
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Can I put a US gas tank in a Euro car?

Post by thehackmechanic »

I'm about to buy an early E12-based Euro car that needs a gas tank. I see that the Euro tank is part number 16111178881, listed as fitting both E12 and E28-based cars, and that the US tank is part number 16111176518, also listed as fitting both generations. What's to prevent me from putting the more available US tank in a Euro car?

--Rob Siegel
Author of eight books available on Amazon or at www.robsiegel.com

1979 Euro 635CSi
1972 2002tii, 1973 2002
1973 3.0CSi
1972 Bavaria
1999 Z3M Coupe, 1999 Z3
1974 Lotus Europa TCS
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tschultz
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Post by tschultz »

The only thing I have to suggest is that you make sure that the replacement tank has the same style sender/pickup. As I understand some E12 based and euro cars don't seem to have the in tank pump, but only the sender. The difference is that one twists in, and one screws into place.

I think you got a nice buy if I'm looking at the correct ad.
http://www.Drive4Corners.com
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'79 635CSi Revival
'80 635CSi
'83 633CSi Callaway Turbo continued as 1988 535is Turbo
SOLD: '81 635CSi/A
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thehackmechanic
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Post by thehackmechanic »

Ad? What ad? I don't know what you're talking about... :^)
Author of eight books available on Amazon or at www.robsiegel.com

1979 Euro 635CSi
1972 2002tii, 1973 2002
1973 3.0CSi
1972 Bavaria
1999 Z3M Coupe, 1999 Z3
1974 Lotus Europa TCS
Alpinacsi
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Post by Alpinacsi »

I might be wrong but I think the sender that screws in does so in a plate that twist in. Meaning the tank fittings are still the same. The difference between the US and euro tank is the size. The US tank is smaller due to the notched area to accommodate the bumper shocks. You can put a US tank in a euro car but not the other way around.

I might have a spare tank but will need to look. I have 2 on the shelf and I know one is an Alpina tank but I will have to see what the other one is.
Alpina B9 coupe (Alpinweiss)
Alpina B9 sedan (Alpinweiss)
Alpina B6 clone in process (Alpinweiss)
Mini S (had to go: it was Electric Blue)
Rover Disco 1 (Alpine White)
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thehackmechanic
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Post by thehackmechanic »

I should have the car in my hot little hands on Monday, and will be able to eyeball the setup directly. Thanks.
Author of eight books available on Amazon or at www.robsiegel.com

1979 Euro 635CSi
1972 2002tii, 1973 2002
1973 3.0CSi
1972 Bavaria
1999 Z3M Coupe, 1999 Z3
1974 Lotus Europa TCS
rmorin1249

Post by rmorin1249 »

Good luck with your latest project, Rob. Post a couple photos when you get the car.
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thehackmechanic
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Post by thehackmechanic »

It is indeed the '79 635CSi posted for sale here on the forum. It was also on eBay and CL. It does not appear to have the original M90, and the dogleg is gone, and it has 211k, but it is nearly rust-free (one small blister on one rocker panel), and aside from needing the gas tank and some wiper work, and a little looseness in the steering, ran really well. And looks as pretty in person as it does in the pics -- Polaris with a black stripe, black sport interior, Euro bumpers, no side marker lights. Did the deal today, will pick up the car Monday.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1979-BMW-635csi ... 7675.l2557
Author of eight books available on Amazon or at www.robsiegel.com

1979 Euro 635CSi
1972 2002tii, 1973 2002
1973 3.0CSi
1972 Bavaria
1999 Z3M Coupe, 1999 Z3
1974 Lotus Europa TCS
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Ralph in Socal
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Post by Ralph in Socal »

Tanks are different. I just did the conversion last year on an 83 euro 635. Euro car did not have an in-tank pump and had the push/twist sending unit assembly.

Placed a US tank in the car and wired up the in-tank pump. I used the harness section off a US car and wired from the external pump as factory. The euro sending unit connector is different but it is also 3-wire so I just crimped on as US connector.


Ralph
There is a very fine line between "Hobby" and Mental Illness.

85 635csi Zinno Auto
84 528i Euro
83 635 Euro Arktik
81 528i Kastanien 5-speed
88 528e Bronzit (Granpa Car)
86 535i Auto (For Sale)
81 633 csi (retired)
Alpinacsi
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Post by Alpinacsi »

Sorry: I was wrong.

The early US cars did not have the in tank and that is what I have switched in the past.
Alpina B9 coupe (Alpinweiss)
Alpina B9 sedan (Alpinweiss)
Alpina B6 clone in process (Alpinweiss)
Mini S (had to go: it was Electric Blue)
Rover Disco 1 (Alpine White)
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