89 325iX fuel tank R & R

[smcdermott326]

does anyone have experience removing a iX fuel tank?

Wondering about rear subframe - need to remove?

Any step by steps or is the Bentley manual fairly straight forward.

Advice appreciated!

[PeaveyBassist]

Dont need to remove the subframe no. Unplug the fuel pump under the back seat, and all fuel lines. Go under the car, undo all fuel lines. There are about 6-8 bolts IIRC that hold it on. Undo those and the tank comes down. Watch for rust and leaking gas ;)

[DragonOrta]

removing it is pretty straight forward.

Remove driveshaft and exhaust.
Take out the back seat and take the fuel tank covers off under the back seat.
Remove and fuel lines and electrical connectors from the fuel pump and fuel tank sender.
Disconnect the fuel spout in the passenger side from the tank.
Disconnect the fuel lines on the drivers side of the tank.
Unscrew the bolts holding the gas tank, but be sure to have a jack or something holding up the tank. When I did this one of the bolts broke off because it had the full weight of the gas tank on it. Had fun trying to retap the hole that's right above the subframe. D'oh!

[jlevie]

I think the procedure is the same as any other E30. Remove the exhaust and drive shaft. Disconnect the lines and electricals, remove the five bolts that attach the tank to the car, and it will come right out.

You'll want to drain the tank first. You can drain the fuel out of the right side of the tank by removing the drain pulg. But to get the fuel out of the left side you'll have to pull the level sensor on that side and pump or siphon out the fuel.

[smcdermott326]

all: thanks for the info! Makes the task a little less daunting.

The "while you are there" stuff ...is it just rubber fuel lines and maybe a filter?
Or is there more to consider?

I was also going to do the 1 remain rubber brake line I can't get a wrench on without removing the tank.

Fuel rubber: 8mm & 6mm? how many feet?