E30 318iS incoming fuel line to filter replacement

[bobby in Derby City]

In all the write-ups concerning fuel line replacement, this specific line is just lumped together with all the other ones as easy to replace.  It is easy to remove it from the the fuel filter side, but how in heck does one remove/replace it at the metal line on the top of the tank.  It seems impossible to get a tool or  two+ fingers on that line without dropping the entire gas tank (which would also entail dropping the exhaust.  It not accessible via the driver side removable body plate either. Any ideas on how to get to that line???

[wazzu70]

Is there any way to access the hose from inside? There are access panels under the rear seat bottom.

[bobby in Derby City]

Thanks for the reply.  I indicated in my previous post about the access covers.  Where the rubber line meets the metal hard line is not viewable from the driver's side access cover.  I'm guessing a long screw driver inserted thru that access cover to loosen the jubilee clamp and a pair of long needle nose pliers to remove the hose?  I know somebody here has replaced their lines here and not dropped the tank while doing it.  I've never seen such a hard to access fuel line hose before on any of these older models....

[colin86325]

I was looking at doing this a while back.  It didn't appear to be accessible, other than dropping the tank.  If you have different results, please post them.  You might be able to lower the tank (unbolt fasteners but leave driveshaft and exhaust in place) and move tank slightly to the side, but I'm not so sure.

[sp318]

I did that a year ago and did not have to drop the tank.  I had a relatively new molded hose fail so replaced all the fuel and vent hoses back at the tank with the appropriate size and type of un-molded hose from Pelican.  I accessed everything from the two access panels under the rear seat and the fuel filter well in front of the left rear tire.  It wasn't that bad.

[Slowered318]

I did that a year ago and did not have to drop the tank.  I had a relatively new molded hose fail so replaced all the fuel and vent hoses back at the tank with the appropriate size and type of un-molded hose from Pelican.  I accessed everything from the two access panels under the rear seat and the fuel filter well in front of the left rear tire.  It wasn't that bad.

3/8 hose correct? Do you recall roughly how long the feed and return lines were?