best place to buy a replacement fuel tank?

[theroundcow]

as the title says...both of my late model e30s have rusty tanks after sitting for around 6 years. they both killed a pump. i DO see one on ECS from bavarian motorsport that looks like it would be a direct replacement. $333, a bit steep. hoping to avoid that. anyone purchased one recently?

[Vincenze]

Autozone sells 2 tanks. At least, you can examine them in person.

It's a bulky item to ship. A shipping company will surely scratch and dent it. Check Rock Auto: https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...fuel+tank,6268

https://www.autozone.com/fuel-delive...58918_127816_0
https://www.autozone.com/fuel-delive...-551/29991_0_0

[Sunnyledge]

I bought a Spectra BM1A after market for my early E30 (single pump) from Amazon last year. Like others have said the Spectra is a pretty good fit, only needed to adjust one of the mounting points to get all the bolts to line up. Only draw back is it doesn’t have a drain plug. Their BM1B for later models run around $250.

[rturbo 930]

If they're not badly rusted, you could have them cleaned out and recoated. Not sure on cost, but might be similar to a replacement tank, but you'd still have an OE quality fuel tank.

[theroundcow]

Ah so having them cleaned is definitely something I am considering, however the costs are ranging anywhere from $200-$500 which is about equal to a new tank. Its nice to hear someone has personal experience with spectra tanks, even if there is some misalignment, as long as it gets in there and the pumps mount no problem, sounds great. Can anyone else chime in here? Keep OEM tank and have it cleaned? go for a spectra? The dorman is about the same price as the bavarian one from ECS. the guys at the radiatorshop didnt seem to jerk me around at all and said they would clean it out but recommend against a coating bc they will flake off over time, something ive read elsewhere. Either way im going to start getting the car on jack stands.....

[cory58]

In the "Product Reviews" section there is a Spectra gas tank thread with 38 comments.