Ameer Randolph
The BMW E28 is a popular car with enthusiasts, and many owners are keen to modify and improve their vehicles. One common question is whether a US-spec E28 fuel tank will fit a Euro-spec E28. The answer is not straightforward, as there are some differences between the two specifications. The capacity of the US tank is less, and there may be issues with the physical fit due to differences in the bumper shock brackets and the trunk floor, especially on the right side where the fuel tank is located. Some sources suggest that a Euro tank will not fit a US car without modification, while others indicate that it may be possible with some changes to the bumper shock mount. It is always recommended to consult with a qualified mechanic before making any modifications to a vehicle.
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What You'll Learn
Euro E28 gas tanks won't fit US cars without modification
Some people have suggested that it may be possible to fit a Euro tank into a US car with some modifications. However, others have tried and failed, stating that the tanks are simply not compatible without modification.
One potential solution is to remove the bumper shock mount, but this is not a straightforward process and may not be feasible for all vehicles. Additionally, the Euro tanks may require a different transfer pump than the US models, further complicating the modification process.
The capacity of the US tanks is also less than that of the Euro tanks, which may be due to the presence of baffles. The US tanks also have a plate with a spring door mechanism that only allows unleaded fuel nozzles to be used, which is not present on all Euro tanks.
Overall, while it may be possible to fit a Euro E28 gas tank into a US car with modifications, it is not a simple process and may require significant changes to the vehicle's structure and fuel system.
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Euro tanks have a bayonet-mount in-tank pump
Euro E28 fuel tanks have a bayonet-mount in-tank pump, which is a modern electronic fuel pump. This is different from the US spec E28, which has a plate with a spring door that only takes unleaded fuel nozzles. The US spec tank also has a restrictor for lead-free fuel.
The bayonet-mount in-tank pump is also found in late E30s, which means that the seals are readily available. The Euro E28 fuel tank also has a level sensor and a lift pump.
Some users have noted that the Euro E28 fuel tank will not fit in a US car without modification due to differences in the rear bumper shock frame rail setup and the trunk floor, especially on the right side where the fuel tank resides. However, one user noted that they were able to install a US tank in a Euro car without issues.
It is important to note that a malfunctioning fuel pump can cause issues with the vehicle's performance, including sputtering at high speeds or losing power under stress or during acceleration. Therefore, it is recommended to replace a faulty fuel pump as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs.
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$129.99 $138.99
US tanks have a spring door for unleaded fuel nozzles
US-specification E28 fuel tanks have a spring door mechanism that only accepts unleaded fuel nozzles. This feature was added during the federalization process to prevent the use of leaded fuel in the vehicle. The spring door mechanism is a plate with a small flap that restricts the insertion of leaded fuel nozzles, ensuring that only unleaded fuel can be used.
While the physical dimensions of the E28 fuel tanks between US and European specifications may differ, the spring door mechanism is a distinct feature of the US-spec tanks. This mechanism is designed to prevent the use of leaded fuel, which has been phased out in the United States due to environmental concerns and stricter emissions regulations.
European E28 fuel tanks, on the other hand, may not have the same spring door mechanism. They might lack this feature, which could be a consideration when attempting to pass visual inspections in certain states, such as California. The absence of the spring door could result in non-compliance with local regulations, making it necessary to modify the fuel tank to include this feature.
It is worth noting that the physical compatibility of the fuel tanks between US and European specifications is a separate issue. While the spring door mechanism may be a standard feature on US-spec tanks, the overall shape and size of the tank may differ. The bumper shock brackets and the configuration of the trunk floor, especially on the right side where the fuel tank is located, vary between US and European cars.
Therefore, when considering the compatibility of a US-spec E28 fuel tank with a European E28 car, it is important to take into account both the spring door mechanism for unleaded fuel nozzles and the physical dimensions of the tank in relation to the vehicle's structure. Modifications may be required to ensure a proper fit and comply with local regulations.
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Euro E28 gas tanks have a capacity of 70L
Euro E28 gas tanks have a capacity of 70 litres. However, it is important to note that the capacity of the US E28 gas tank is less than that of the Euro version.
The difference in capacity is due to the presence of baffles in the US tank, which are absent in the Euro tank. The Euro E28 gas tank is designed to fit the chassis of a Euro E28 car and may not be compatible with the US version of the vehicle without modifications. The physical differences between the US and Euro E28 cars, specifically the trunk floor and the placement of the fuel tank, pose challenges for a direct swap.
Some users have reported that the Euro E28 gas tank did not fit in their US E28 car due to interference with the bumper shock brackets and the overall trunk floor design. The bumper shock brackets have been cited as a reason for the difference in tank sizes between the US and Euro versions.
It is worth noting that some individuals have successfully installed a US E28 gas tank in a Euro E28 car, specifically in the case of e24s. However, the reverse may not be feasible without modifications. The shape of the tanks themselves appears to be similar, but the surrounding components and mounting mechanisms differ between the US and Euro versions.
The Euro E28 gas tank is sought after by enthusiasts who appreciate its unique design and larger capacity. However, it is important to consider the compatibility issues and potential challenges when contemplating a swap between the US and Euro E28 gas tanks.
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US E28 gas tanks have a capacity of 63L
The fuel tank capacity of US E28 vehicles is 60 litres, or approximately 16 US gallons. This is less than the capacity of European E28 fuel tanks.
US E28 fuel tanks are not compatible with European E28 vehicles without modification. The difference in capacity is due to the presence of baffles in the US tanks. The tanks are also shaped differently, with the US version featuring a different trunk floor design, particularly on the right side, where the fuel tank is located.
The US E28 fuel tank also has a plate with a spring-loaded door mechanism that only accepts unleaded fuel nozzles. This feature was added during the federalization process.
It is worth noting that some sources suggest that it is possible to install a US E28 fuel tank in a European E28 vehicle, specifically in the E24 model, without issues. However, the majority of the evidence indicates that the US tank will not physically fit in a European E28 car due to differences in the bumper shock brackets and the trunk floor design.
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Frequently asked questions
No, a US spec E28 fuel tank will not fit in a Euro E28 without modification.
The trunk floor in US cars is different from Euro cars, especially on the right side where the fuel tank is located. The bumper shock brackets also differ between the two versions, which has resulted in a difference in tank size.
The US spec E28 typically has a 63L fuel tank, while the Euro E28 can accommodate a 70L fuel tank.
Yes, a Euro E28 fuel tank can be installed in a US spec E28, but it will require modification. The bumper shock mount on the right rear of the car may need to be removed to accommodate the larger 70L tank.
Euro E28 fuel tanks can be purchased from various vendors, including eBay and Schmiedmann. Prices can vary, but they can be found for less than $700.
