Fuel leak

[Van burnham]

1982 bmw 320i, smells of gas and leaking gas especially a lot after I fill up. It’s leaking above from it seems the top of the tanks. Not the filler neck or rubber hose connecting the tanks. I took off the back seat to access thee tank and the ome clothe braided hoses look wet, grimy, and dark. I have yet to drop the tanks to get a further look. Im looking for any help or advice i can get on what problem this would be and how to fix it. Parts ect.

[Wilmo]

When the tank is empty with fuel, the tank is full with air. When you fill up, the air has to go somewhere. On top of the tanks there are to small hoses leading upwards towards the filler opening.

When you drop thanks slightly those small hoses can be accessed and replaced.

See http://bmwfans.info/parts-catalog/E21/E ... nk_tubing/

For dimensions and the construction. I had the same problem and I’ve just replaced hose ‘4’. Since I didn’t feel wrestling with number 5 (yet). 12mm petrol hose and some hose clamps and you should be fixed

[Jeroen]

Extensive write up on fuel leaks and fix here: https://www.bmwe21.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=18255

[majkl]

Mine was leaking around the sender unit, there is an O-ring. My issue was the gas tank was bended up, pushing the sender unit away from the O-ring. You can access it though the hole under the rear seat.