Re: HELP!!! Hole in evaporation tank in trunk (archive)

That tank is an expansion tank for the "evaporative emmissions system," which basically contains fuel vapors so they are not vented into the atmosphere which causes smog. The tank is there so that when the vapors heat up and cool down and expand and contract in the process, it doesn't make the metal fuel tank expand and contract. There should be 3 lines leading from the fuel tank to the bottom of the expansion tank and one line leading up to the engine bay and into a carbon filter, which then leads through a valve into the air intake. That tank should NOT have any holes in it that do not have a hose attached. Try plugging it up with epoxy and I bet the smell will go away.

HTH,

Matt
Maximillian Importing

I have had CHRONIC gas odor problems in the trunk and cockpit ever since I bought my M5. I have checked the tank, and fuel lines and everything looks OK. Finally, I looked at the grey evaporation tank in the trunk just over the right-rear shock tower. Does anyone know what this does? It seems to be empty, BUT IT ALSO LOOKS LIKE SOMEONE DRILLED A HOLE IN THE TOP OF THE BOX. Right next to the "US" stamp. This is where fumes seem to be coming out of. Is this correct? Is there suppose to be a hole in the box? Why three hoses into the box and one hose out of the box? Where do they go? None of the manuals I've read explain what this box does. Can someone please shed some light on it and whether or not there is suppose to be a hole in the box.

THANKS,
BEN KRAUS
Chicago, IL
E28 M5

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