Gas Tank Dent help

[itsonlygeorge]

I took my E30 to get inspected yesterday and the shop jacked up the car on the gas tank on the passenger side, leaving a big dent (about a quart sized indentation). My fuel gauge now behaves erratically, moving from about 2/3 to 3/4 while driving. I there is a whine while driving that may be coming from the fuel pump. There is no leak, but I am concerned and I am not sure if I can repair the dent or if I have to get a new gas tank.

Is there anything I can do to get the shop to pay for the parts/repair? I am in Maine and parts for an E30 are not so easy to find. Any suggestions are welcome.

[AndrewBird]

Hell yes they should pay for it! If they had put a dent in the door they would be paying for it. No different here.

The passenger side of the tank is where the fuel pump and sender is, so they likely broke the mounting for that or worse. Due to this, you will likely need a new (used) tank.

[15Michaeljoseph]

have you brought it to their attention? they fucked your tank, level sensor, and possibly fuel pump, Threaten with legal action if they don't fix their error. They broke it, They fix it IMO.


--Mike

[itsonlygeorge]

I am going to have another mechanic check it out and I am searching for a tank in the area. Dropping the tank requires taking the drive shaft, exhaust, and heat shield, which is quite a lot of work. I also have to find a reputable shop that works on E30s in the area, which may be a challenge.

[Liquidity]

It blows me away that people think the best place to jack up a car is underneath a large flat panel, regardless whether it was the tank or the bottom of the car. How can they not comprehend that sheet metal is thin and bends? And you know the first thing to come out of their mouth is "I've jacked up plenty of cars there before and nothing has happened" So obviously that must mean it's a good way to do it...

This is why you can't always take the word of a "professional" or someone "who's been doing this for years" because stupid is everywhere. There's no escaping it. You must learn to do all of your own work on your car if you want to be 100% positive it will get done right.

[itsonlygeorge]

I am aware of that fact, however I took the car in for an inspection sticker, not for any work. At this point, if I were to do the work myself I need to learn how to remove the drive shaft and exhaust, which is quite a lot of work and since I have never done this there is potential for error. I'd love to have some help from someone in the area who is an enthusiast/mechanic. Not sure how to find that.

[Cincy_Sm0ke]

Gas Tank Dent help

I've got a tank in Columbus that's practically new sitting in my garage if you need a tank.

Edit: never mind. Skipped the part about you being in Maine. Just saw Cincinnati in your profile

[Graebmw95]

They definitely need to pay for it and if they don't you need a lawyer.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Gregs///M]

Its not a lot of work to replace the fuel tank, don't let them convince you otherwise.

I would focus on the most important subject of this accident, safety. Since the gas tank has been severely dented, and possibly compromised, it could lead to premature vehicle fire.

I would certainly make sure the tank is replaced, especially if there are any tight kinks in the metal.

[itsonlygeorge]

So a new gas tank is 165$ shipped, and a BMW mechanic quoted me $400 for the install. The mechanic that did the damage is broke and just lost his shop. I don't trust him to do the work and he can't pay for the tank or repairs and has no insurance. I really can't afford a $500 bill right now...

[long tall eta]

same thing just happened to me. while replacing a control arm bushing, they put the lift on the tank but mine was leaking. they replaced it with brand new tank on there dime. they got the new tank through advance auto.