Expansion tank
 

I was wondering if anyone has tried the Standard Automotive S49002 expansion tank kit ?? Looks like an improvement on the factory one.

It took me 30 minutes to replace the defective one with a new one so no
I haven't nor did I wish to try something different.

I searched that and it didnt seem to have any improvement over the OE part?

I would just get an OE tank. With the E30 cap you have it should last a good long time.

Do get the transmission thermostat, those things like to break when removing a tank that has been there a while.

Yes, I might be overthinking it a bit. I have a picture in my mind of the tank splitting open and instantly ruining my engine but it seems like a lot of the time they just spring a small leak. Anyway you are right, I think I diminish the chance of rupture to almost zero with the E30 cap.

I've had a tank rupture on an E46 and it was not instant death thankfully. :)

On the 3.0 X I've used 2 aftermarket tanks and they both failed at the seam. Not a total catastrophic failure but it would start weeping coolant at the seam at operating temp.

Switched to OE and so far so good.

I just installed a new BMW expansion tank last night and I noticed the blue thermostat is a different design now. Fully encasedin plastic.

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Rockauto has OEM behr tank for $38

My OE expansion tank split on me yesterday in las cruces. Only locally available part (el paso, rented a car to get there) was Uro. Ugh. Been holding okay and got me to vegas but I'll be ordering a new OE one when i get home.

Cost me 4 hours delay... Could have been worse i suppose.

On the e46 the Behr tank includes flat orings instead of the usual type of oring. It makes snapping to together much harder so if you go that route it might be easier to order some separate orings. I read about this on e46fanatics this wee.

That's good to know about the O-rings. Clockwork, could you maybe post a picture or provide a link that shows the difference in the trans stats?