W123 Wagon fuel tank in a sedan

[Germancar2]

Hello everyone, its been a while since I was last on here after my'82 300 was rear ended. Recently I was tipped off by a friend about a '77 240D in nice shape that he thinks is a worthwhile project. I have a bit of work ahead of me as it has been sitting a while in a garage.

My question is a strange one but I am wondering if anyone has installed the underfloor fuel tank from a wagon in a sedan.
My reasoning is that any extra space made available in the trunk area would be very beneficial for my planned move across country.

[Sugar Bear]

IIRC, The wagon tank is smaller so the range would decrease and any space gained would be lost because the trunk floor where the spare is would have to be literally cut out.

Think about shipping some items, maybe even the rear seat top and bottom to save space; but, that brings up a lot of cargo may add more weight than the car can handle.

Good luck!!!

[Usaguy]

Originally Posted by Sugar Bear

IIRC, The wagon tank is smaller

Actually in his case the wagon tank is slightly bigger but still I think that keeping the original style tank or installing a turbo sedan tank is the best idea.


N/A Diesel sedans - 65 liters
Wagons - 70 liter
Turbo sedans/280E - 80 liter

[t walgamuth]

Very much not worth the trouble. The stock tank does not really take up that much space, not really as big as a large suitcase. The car being a unit body will not be safe with all the cutting away of original stuff. I believe the tank is the closure between the passengers and trunk too.

[Germancar2]

Thank you for the replies!
Not having a wagon in front of me I was really not sure how they placed the tank. If they put the fuel tank where the spare is on the sedan it would certainly not be worth the effort to change it.

[t walgamuth]

They do. I used a wagon tank in my 39 studebaker truck. It fits under the bed at the back and is nearly a bolt in. I think Michael just had to drill a few new bolt holes.