Petrol tank warped/ deformed

[Toy24]

Hi All
My petrol tank near the filler had warped deformed and fuel would spill out if full. BMW replaced the tank free of charge (circ £550), but I had to pick up the labour cost. They said it was a one off. However I understand that Ducati had a similar problem and I have heard reports of increased ethanol content in the fuel can cause this. Has anybody else had this problem?. I have contacted BMW as I thought the must not be fit for purpose and therefore they should paid for the labour and a possible recall. The dealer also contacted BMW and I reported it on my feed back but not had a response.
The symptom was a smell of fuel that's how I come to find the problem.

Cheers

 

[chasbmw]

What bike and how old?


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[Neil W]

Sure there were reports in the USA of tanks deforming and BMW were blaming tank bag fitments etc that bolt onto the flange around the filler

 

[JJH]

It would be helpful to know how old the affected bike is. After all the servo abs brakes fitted to many BMW models is hardly fit for purpose. Did anyone ever try BMW for a free replacement susfully? JJH

 

[CPJS]

I have not heard of this one, If somebody fitted a tankbag tank fitting incorrectly I can see how it could cause a leak.
Regarding ethenol, this was a well documented problem for Ducati and others.
See here
http://deformedfueltanks.com/

 

[WaterMonkey]

My 2013 bike has a deformation between two of the holes on the plastic tank filler hole. I asked the dealer about it and he basically said it's not covered by the extended warranty. I've put a small rubber gasket in for now to stop the smell.

 

[comberjohn]

Have read that increased levels of ethanol has damaged glass fibre fuel tanks in boats and older trials bikes in the States where it has been used longer. Seems out eventually seeps into the resin that binds the layers of glass fibre and then it delaminates.
As some boats have their tanks moulded into the hull, it's a big problem.
I always believed that modern BMW tanks are polythene. Don't know if that's affected by ethanol.

 

[matchlessman]

The ethanol in fuel is really shit. I run a fibreglass tank on my pre65 trials bike, but I drain it after every outing which is a real pain in the arse. It would be helpful if the suppliers had to state the amount of ethanol in fuel, otherwise it's guesswork whether it will bugger up my tank, fuel lines etc. I have seen a few fibreglass tanks affected and yes, they just delaminate, not pretty. GSA has alloy tank so no problem although it could affect fuel lines, seals, pump, etc


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[Toy24]

Its a 2013 LC you could physically see the deformation around the neck of the tank filler, hence the gasket would not seal. The Tank bag ( bag also not significantly used) would not do this and the bike has not been in an excessive heat environment

 

[JJH]

My 2013 bike has a deformation between two of the holes on the plastic tank filler hole. I asked the dealer about it and he basically said it's not covered by the extended warranty. I've put a small rubber gasket in for now to stop the smell.

It dosent really matter if it's coverd or not. If you can make a case under the sale of goods or some other piece of consumer legislation he can't hide behind a warranty that is in addition to your rights not instead. JJH

 

[Neil W]

Its a 2013 LC you could physically see the deformation around the neck of the tank filler, hence the gasket would not seal. The Tank bag ( bag also not significantly used) would not do this and the bike has not been in an excessive heat environment

This was the type of tank bag fitting that BMW was blaming for deforming the tank necks

 

[Blackal]

The above Givi tank bag rings are really only suitable for the light tank bags - and not one which is so large that your chest is leaning on it. (IMO)

Al

 

[Toy24]

Sorry Neil that is not relevant my tank bag is the bmw type and no fitting ring used.

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

KTM have had issues with leaking 690 Duke tanks

 

[Rushy]

KTM have had issues with leaking 690 Duke tanks

And other models too . The tanks can expand and then when it's removed for servicing it cannot be refitted without dremmelimg the mounting hole to be larger so that the bolt can be refiited.

 

[Mr Bean]

Hi All
My petrol tank near the filler had warped deformed and fuel would spill out if full. BMW replaced the tank free of charge (circ £550), but I had to pick up the labour cost. They said it was a one off. However I understand that Ducati had a similar problem and I have heard reports of increased ethanol content in the fuel can cause this. Has anybody else had this problem?. I have contacted BMW as I thought the must not be fit for purpose and therefore they should paid for the labour and a possible recall. The dealer also contacted BMW and I reported it on my feed back but not had a response.
The symptom was a smell of fuel that's how I come to find the problem.

Cheers

Mine was the same and replaced under the approved used bike warranty. Clearly no cost to me, but not unknown.

Lind in Welwyn did the work on mine