Expansion tank without lower clip
 

I just replaced the expansion tank on my wifes X3 M54 and noticed that the "Standard" brand tank does not have the groove for the lower clip. The clip is there as a decoration only. I used the same brand of tank when I did my X5 but didn't notice if the groove was there or not but I do remember thinking that the way the whole thing goes together the clip probably wouldn't be needed so when I installed this one I just assumed they didn't put in the groove to make the tank easier to install since it seems that a lot of people have trouble. Any how it all seems fine and I pressure tested and yanked on it and there was no movement at all but it would have been nice if they stuck a note in the box ;) Anyone else run into this? Cheers :)

I've always known the clip to be there...this was an OEM tank?

I am always uneasy when I have left over parts after a project or not enough parts.

Nonetheless, I for 1 wouldn't want to take a chance with the finicky BMW especially that expansion tank and its cooling system.
And it's your wife!
Plus at the time that car was manufactured...
Germans were not into decorations...
Sorry, I couldn't resist the last one[emoji106]

Sent from my REVVL V+ 5G using Tapatalk

Pelican parts instructions say to remove the clip. A picture is even shown. I guess the upper retain clip may be enough to hold it in place.

The tank is an aftermarket "Standard Automotive" brand which I think is supposed to be an improved design. The first one I bought was well over $100 but this one was on sale for $27 cdn and that's with cap, coolant sensor and trans stat. Everything looks top notch other than the lower clip which is made from crappy but shiny metal and sticks out further than the original I think so people don't think it's missing. There is no slot for the clip so it has no purpose and I just left it off. I'm 90% sure it's all intentional but it would be nice to know that for sure it's not going to be a problem.

I did an oe tank from FCP Euro a few months ago and the clip is on there. This particular tank I think is leaking though. :D https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...in-crp-ept0018

I've had good luck with the Rein hoses when that was all I could get but I would avoid Rein as much as possible especially for the expansion tank. To be clear the clip is on the "Standard Automotive" tank but there is no slot for it to engage the lower fitting. I don't think it pays to spend the big bucks on OE in this case because the OE didn't stand up in the first place unless they are being made better?? In the old days change up and updated parts always had a different part number and were pointed out in the manuals but that seems to be less of a practice these days.

I don't think they're being made any better. I still haven't been able to get the x back into the garage to pressure test it, but I pretty much know the results. I've replaced the cap, but still there's usually some blue residue around the seams of the tank. I clean it off top it off and just keep driving it for now.

Yeah soooooooo- The video showing how great the Standard brand expansion tank is seems to no longer exist and some sites have it listed now as the "econonomy" replacement with "limited lifespan," geeze!

Another "used to be" quality company riding the wave of what it once was to charge lots and cheap out for profit!

Sounds like having safety sex with a poked condom.

Haha, Yes, with a hole to make installation easier! ;)