E46Seller listing
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View listing at Prussianmotors; opens in a new tabBMW E36/E46 · Buyer's guide
BMW E46 Fuel-Tank Shells: Standard Plastic versus M56 SULEV Sealed Stainless Identification
US/LHD gasoline non-M BMW E46 only. Separate standard M52TU/M54 plastic-tank architecture from the 2003-2006 M56 SULEV sealed stainless system; resolve both VINs/builds, body, RWD versus xi/AWD, engine/emissions label, exact installed/service identity, pump/sender openings, internal transfer, filler/vent/EVAP interfaces, mounting and included contents. The checked exact standard-plastic number evidence is RWD-centered, so xi requires current VIN/EPC confirmation and is never inferred interchangeable. Exclude M3/S54, diesel, non-US/RHD, E36/E9x, racing cells, standard-to-M56 or M56-to-standard conversion, cut/modified tanks and unqualified repair, cleaning, purging or shipping claims.
Current seller options
WHERE TO BUY
Open an exact listing, then confirm fitment, stock, price, and shipping with the seller before ordering.
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E46Seller listing
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View listing at Turner Motorsport; opens in a new tabE46Seller listing
Listed price$9,530.99 · $12,284
View listing at Bmwpartsdeal; opens in a new tabE46Seller listing
Listed price$637.50 · $840 · $65 · $468
View listing at Partrequest; opens in a new tabE46Seller listing
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View listing at Benzeenautoparts; opens in a new tabWhat you need to know
Begin with both VINs/build dates and underhood emissions labels. Prove M52TU/M54 standard plastic versus M56 SULEV sealed stainless architecture before comparing body and RWD/xi branch, shell shape, pump/sender apertures, internal transfer, filler neck, vent/EVAP lines, mount points, straps, shields, cushions, heat protection and every seal/retainer. Require actual-piece photographs, readable labels and a written contents list; complete is not an inventory. Reject cracks, distortion, swollen plastic, damaged flange or lock-ring lands, broken tubes, fuel/water contamination, heat/fire/impact exposure, drilling, patching, coatings, unknown repair or corrosion on attached stainless/hardware. The sealed M56 system is not a casual conversion target. Confirm lawful defueling, vapor-safe storage, seller handling and carrier acceptance before purchase. Preserve BMW-0023 ownership of standard pump/sender/filter diagnosis and use qualified fuel-system service; provide no tank repair, purging or hazardous-shipping instructions.
OEM numbers
STANDARD PLASTIC-TANK PATH: 16116762962 -> 16116766940, with the checked 16116766940 listing including the left sensor. M56 SULEV SEALED STAINLESS PATH: 16116763569 metal tank/filler assembly16117464403 is the factory-reman M56 listing. STRAPS REMAIN ARCHITECTURE-SPECIFIC: standard 16116756583 and M56 16116757172. M56 handling/service kit 16118699011 is not a tank. These identities do not prove RWD/xi, body, standard/M56 or component interchange, and a tank listing does not establish included pump, sender, filler, charcoal/vent equipment, straps, shields, cushions, seals or retainers.Supersession
The checked standard plastic service relationship is 16116762962 -> 16116766940. BMW service material identifies 16117464403 as the factory-reman path associated with the M56 sealed stainless system, but later BMW material says that remanufactured tank supply ended; it is not asserted as currently orderable. No plastic-to-stainless, RWD-to-xi, body or strap interchange is asserted. Separate standard 16116756583 and M56 16116757172 straps, and service kit 16118699011 does not supersede a tank.
Fitment
Begin with both VINs/build dates and underhood emissions labels. Prove M52TU/M54 standard plastic versus M56 SULEV sealed stainless architecture before comparing body and RWD/xi branch, shell shape, pump/sender apertures, internal transfer, filler neck, vent/EVAP lines, mount points, straps, shields, cushions, heat protection and every seal/retainer. Require actual-piece photographs, readable labels and a written contents list; complete is not an inventory. Reject cracks, distortion, swollen plastic, damaged flange or lock-ring lands, broken tubes, fuel/water contamination, heat/fire/impact exposure, drilling, patching, coatings, unknown repair or corrosion on attached stainless/hardware. The sealed M56 system is not a casual conversion target. Confirm lawful defueling, vapor-safe storage, seller handling and carrier acceptance before purchase. Preserve BMW-0023 ownership of standard pump/sender/filter diagnosis and use qualified fuel-system service; provide no tank repair, purging or hazardous-shipping instructions.
Aftermarket options
Use only a correctly identified, fuel-compatible direct-replacement shell whose body, drivetrain, emissions architecture and every interface are documented. A racing fuel cell, universal tank or standard/M56 conversion changes crash protection, EVAP certification, filler, pump/sender, mounting and calibration assumptions and is outside this guide. The BMW M56 handling kit is service equipment, not a replacement tank. No patching, welding, coating or unverified repair path is recommended.
Before you buy
US gasoline non-M E46 only. Confirm both VINs/builds, body, RWD/xi, emissions label and standard M52TU/M54 plastic versus M56 SULEV sealed stainless architecture. Do not convert between systems or infer xi fitment from an RWD listing. Itemize all pump/sender, filler, vent/EVAP, strap, shield and seal contents. Reject damage, contamination, heat, drilling, patching or unknown repair. Reman M56 supply ended despite retained seller price language; verify lawful handling and carrier acceptance.
Research and fitment sources
Supersede reviewed 13 unique research sources for this guide. 5 also appear above as a seller or official action and are not repeated here; 8 additional citations follow.
Research last verified .