Expansion tank without lower clip

[x5Alpine]

Yea, just buy an OEM tank. Cheaping out on "standard" whatever is a bad idea especially when you have leftover parts. BMW didn't include that clip for funnies. It obviously has a purpose. This isn't a Ford Explorer lol.

[80stech]

So I had a quick look at my E53 which I installed the (supposedly) same expansion tank into a while back and the clip is very tight so the slot is obviously there so I would say that maybe someone did a rebox and sent back a cheaper tank. I have had "the switch" happen with Felpro gaskets from RockAuto once before, but they have the tank on at such a low price from what it was, it's probably more likely that it's just a different tank being put into the box. ;( The tank is doing fine without the clip holding and I'm fairly sure it's not needed and maybe even the slot left off to make installing easier but I'd feel better if someone else had some first hand knowledge with this. I guess maybe people returning the tank because the slot wasn't there might even be why they are selling so cheap??

[80stech]

Update -- So far the tank without the lower clip is holding up perfectly fine! I'm still a bit worried because it's my wife's vehicle and she will probably not stop if the coolant blows out! If it survives the summer (maybe I'll pressure test one more time) though I think it will be fine and probably is regarded as an improvement, maybe puts less pressure on things if the joint is allowed to expand and contract ?? or maybe they were having to many returns form people not being able to get the lower connection clipped??

After this having 900 views has anyone else run into this ??

[Masospaghetti]

I replaced my expansion tank but I don't remember the details of the clip, sorry.