Gas tank leaking

cnicholson · 07-23-2018, 06:05 PM

Hi guys.

I noticed some minor gas smell and couple of drops of gas under car. Took to repair shop (not a dealer). Tech says "Fuel tank was previously damaged and a repair attempted, but is leaking again. You need a new fuel tank."

Have a look at the photo. It is a close up of my F10 gas tank with the panels removed. It looks like green goop over a ground-down section.

But I've owned the car since new and *I* never fixed tank. My only explanation is either (i) the tech doesn't know what he's seeing--- the green goop is from the factory and is normal-- I am just unlucky, (ii) BMW fixed this at factory or port or (iii) somebody at a shop that serviced the car took a joy ride (or lowered the car onto something while on a lift?) and secretly fixed it. None of those seem plausible.

Anybody have any thoughts?

Thanks in advance,

Chris

https://www.dropbox.com/s/vhg39smn70...6715.jpeg?dl=0

SapphireM5 · 07-23-2018, 07:39 PM

Definitely not normal, someone fixed that after they damaged it. Is it silicone? That sucks you can see the gouge across the front. They do sell a specific epoxy for gas tanks to fix leaks, if you want to go that route. If it was me I would fix it with either a new tank or pull the tank and have a shop fix it the right way. GL bud, that sucks though.

brad850csi · 07-24-2018, 02:06 PM

The tank in the F10 is the 80l steel tank from the enhanced security 7 series (or something like that) and isn't the standard plastic 70l that comes on all other F10s. Hence I'd think you'd be able to weld it to repair it.

Fast400 · 07-25-2018, 12:01 PM

I wouldn't screw around with repair attempts. Replace the tank...I know it hurts, but it's better in the end. Gas tank is around $1400 which is expensive. Welding is only plausible with a professional that knows the dangers of welding with fumes! If you find someone willing, it'll save you a bit.
Aside of the two choices above, everything else is crap....epoxies, goops=crap!

Picture looks like they left one of the lift 'legs' under the car, then noticed while backing out

cnicholson · 07-25-2018, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fast400

Picture looks like they left one of the lift 'legs' under the car, then noticed while backing out

Thanks. The explanation is the most plausible that I have heard.

We're going to replace the tank.

Fast400 · 07-31-2018, 01:34 PM

Good move! I know it hurts, but it's the right way to go. You could probably sell the defective tank for $100 on ebay. lol.

07-23-2018, 06:05 PM	#1
cnicholson Private First Class 17 Rep 164 Posts Drives: 2013 F10 M5 Join Date: May 2012 Location: SF Bay Area iTrader: (0)	Gas tank leaking Hi guys. I noticed some minor gas smell and couple of drops of gas under car. Took to repair shop (not a dealer). Tech says "Fuel tank was previously damaged and a repair attempted, but is leaking again. You need a new fuel tank." Have a look at the photo. It is a close up of my F10 gas tank with the panels removed. It looks like green goop over a ground-down section. But I've owned the car since new and I never fixed tank. My only explanation is either (i) the tech doesn't know what he's seeing--- the green goop is from the factory and is normal-- I am just unlucky, (ii) BMW fixed this at factory or port or (iii) somebody at a shop that serviced the car took a joy ride (or lowered the car onto something while on a lift?) and secretly fixed it. None of those seem plausible. Anybody have any thoughts? Thanks in advance, Chris https://www.dropbox.com/s/vhg39smn70...6715.jpeg?dl=0
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07-23-2018, 07:39 PM	#2
SapphireM5 Major 711 Rep 1,107 Posts Drives: 2013 M5 Sapphire Black Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (3)	Definitely not normal, someone fixed that after they damaged it. Is it silicone? That sucks you can see the gouge across the front. They do sell a specific epoxy for gas tanks to fix leaks, if you want to go that route. If it was me I would fix it with either a new tank or pull the tank and have a shop fix it the right way. GL bud, that sucks though.
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07-24-2018, 02:06 PM	#3
brad850csi Colonel 1316 Rep 2,349 Posts Drives: 16 F13 M6 Comp Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Auckland, New Zealand iTrader: (0)	The tank in the F10 is the 80l steel tank from the enhanced security 7 series (or something like that) and isn't the standard plastic 70l that comes on all other F10s. Hence I'd think you'd be able to weld it to repair it.
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07-25-2018, 12:01 PM	#4
Fast400 Major 683 Rep 1,123 Posts Drives: iX M60 Join Date: May 2014 Location: ... iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW [0.00]	I wouldn't screw around with repair attempts. Replace the tank...I know it hurts, but it's better in the end. Gas tank is around $1400 which is expensive. Welding is only plausible with a professional that knows the dangers of welding with fumes! If you find someone willing, it'll save you a bit. Aside of the two choices above, everything else is crap....epoxies, goops=crap! Picture looks like they left one of the lift 'legs' under the car, then noticed while backing out
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07-31-2018, 01:34 PM	#6
Fast400 Major 683 Rep 1,123 Posts Drives: iX M60 Join Date: May 2014 Location: ... iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW [0.00]	Good move! I know it hurts, but it's the right way to go. You could probably sell the defective tank for $100 on ebay. lol.
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