Fuel Tank Replacement

[Afredo]

Hey guys I've got an '89 325i coupe, 5-speed I'm having the gas tank replaced in. Purchased the tank myself to save money, having a mechanic install it. I was wondering if there are any other parts I should purchase myself to save money that he will need when doing the tank, or if all I need is the tank. The car is in fantastic shape, barely any rust anywhere, so I believe the filler nick is in great shape and probably wouldn't need to be replaced. Any suggestions would be appreciated, thanks!

[jlevie]

Since the tank is coming out, and I presume the level sensors & pump will be moved from the old tank, new sensor/pump seals are needed and every hose should be replaced.

[absolutdog]

I'd replace the level sensors if you can find 'em cheap

[SmokeE30]

honestly nothing is absolutely needed to do it, but as jim said you should replace the seals and hoses while your in there. and since he will have the stuff disconnected anyway now is a good time for a fuel filter as well

[dnguyen1963]

You can clean the level sensor easily, if they are the tube type, with carb cleaner. Spray the cleaner into the tiny hone on top of the sender and shake the floater up and down a few times. Repeat until the cleaner fluid is clear with no brown/black particles. Your sender will be good for another 20 yrs.

[SlamedIAm]

You'll have to drop the exhaust and driveshaft so now is a great chance to do the guibo and CSB if they haven't been done before. Don't forget new lock nuts for both sides of the driveshaft. I believe they're the same size on either end so it will be 10 total. The exhaust gaskets and nuts will need to be replaced as well. On top of that its a great time to replace the gaskets around the fuel pump/sender, any soft fuel lines, and the braided vent hose.

You could also go ahead and change the fuel filter and the soft lines to it. You rnew tank probably doesn't have the brackets to hold one of the rear heat shields (mine didn't) so remind your mechanic to switch them from your old tank to new (I forgot to and haven't had a chance to pull the tank again to fix my mistake).

That's all I can think of at the moment. To be honest if you have basic tools, a jack, 4 stands, and a buddy to lend you an extra set of hands you should do it yourself. It's not very difficult for how expensive of a job its going to be.