Dented Gas Tank. Car smells like fuel. Small leak under car.

[Chapel]

So, the other day, my car started smelling like gas real bad.
Wednesday I noticed that when the rain was running under the car while it was parked, it was carrying some gas with it.
I filled up the tank that day and yesterday I was sick. I got in the car today and it was still full. I moved the car and saw a some gas spots right under where the tank would be.
I took it to one of our shops and there's a HUGE dent in the tank. I have no idea how it got there... I havent hit anything... If I had hit something that tall, the front end of my car would have been destroyed (again)
So, unless snow dented the tank, I'm not sure.
I'm having the shop take a look at it today to see if they can find the leak.
If it comes down to it... I may have to replace the fuel tank ($300 new, $65 used).
The tank is dented on the passenger side near the gas filler inlet.
Anyone got some suggestions?
How difficult do you think it would be to replace the gas tank?
My car goes in next week to have the clutch and flywheel installed. Should I be considering replacing the tank that day too?

[rs4pro3]

Run the car till the tank is almost empty, jack up the side that the dent is on and Dry the area around the leak. Auto zone etc... sell repair kits, My 318i had a small leak like that from the PO accidently jacking on the gas tank. The kit worked fine for a couple months, then the leak reapeared so I redid it and it held fine for around a year untill I sold the car.

[Chapel]

well, it's got a full tank now.
Do those 'resealer kits' actually work?
I guess it would depend on the size of the hole...
How many hard lines run into the tank though? Thats the only thing that worries me.

[T.Dot E30]

The kit worked fine for a couple months, then the leak reapeared so I redid it and it held fine for around a year untill I sold the car.

You sold the car knowing this, I hope you told the buyer about it :evil:

[rs4pro3]

Yep, I did. The only reason it didn't work at first was I had the tank full of gas, the kit includes a wax to put over the hole which will stop the leak while the repair kit sets(basically just epoxy and some fiberglass). it wouldn't hurt to try that first, before paying for a new tank.

[cheades]

If you do want to change the tank out talk to the local e30 racers as they have to remove the stock tank and install a fuel cell.

[Chapel]

actually, I may not have to worry about paying for anything...
Looks like the dent was caused by someone lifting the car up with the foot placed on the tank instead of the jack point... I had my oil changed at the dealer two weeks ago... about the same time the smell started becoming noticeable.

The guy who changed my oil didn't know much about e30s and I had to show him the emergency release on the hood (my cable broke) and how it opens...

I'm having the head technician (an e30 fan) take a look at it tonight... I may be getting a new gas tank installed free of charge :D

[UNHCLL]

I had the tank out once when i owned it.
by now, its due for replacement.

time to get dirty. never had dents when i took it out??? Sure you didnt back over something?

[Chapel]

positive
there are no scratches or any gouges or anything that would have been caused by backing over anything.
The tank wasn't crushed when I changed out my tires in November.

Used tank is $65... I need to see if I can do it next weekend.

[Jordan]

Get a new gas tank. It would be cool if you could tell people your gas tank is the most valuable part on your car.

[Chapel]

thanks, ass.

[pig4bill]

They jacked up the rear to change the oil?

[DanGillan]

They jacked up the rear to change the oil?

a lift has 4 legs smarty.... the rear passenger side leg is right where the fuel tank is, if your not careful and have the leg in too far, it jacks by the tank instead of the lift point, this had happened to my PO and my tank is really dented too, but no leaks. oh well, just replace it.

[Chapel]

yeah, so I'll bring it up to the service manager on Monday.
One of the techs looked at it on Friday and said "This looks like it was done a long time ago'

I know that tank was in fine shape in October when I swapped my snow tires.
Also, there is a fresh chip in the paint on the tank right where the edge of the dent is... if it was old damage, that would have rusted by now.

[ZiMMie]

someone hoist ur car @ the wrong place.