Alpina Auxiliary Fuel Cell

The Alpina fuel cell is an option that Alpina offered on their E28 B7 Turbo cars. It adds 40 liters of fuel. The fuel cell itself mounts in the trunk against the passenger compartment bulkhead. I have not found any installation instructions so here goes with my installation. I found this fuel cell on German ebay and it included the very important modified stock fuel tank. Other than the extra 40 liters of fuel, you have the additional benefit of 60 more pounds (when full) over the rear wheels.

I had the fuel cell powdercoated a dark gray to blend in with the trunk carpet. The original kit has carpet that covers the fuel cell, I have not found that. I do like the amazing construction of the aluminum fuel cell and prefer to have it exposed.

The stock fuel tank has several modifications. The filler neck is longer allowing for the fuel cell to be completely filled. The filler neck has a fitting on it for the breather line from the fuel cell to connect to. The tank has a 90 degree pipe fitting welded just above the fuel sensor and fuel pump port. This is where the fuel transfers in and out of the fuel cell.

Installation was quite easy. The fuel cell has two spikes on the back that insert into rubber grommets that are installed into the lower metal brace of the bulkhead. The front of the fuel cell has a bracket that a single bolt secures it to the trunk floor. I used the same OEM padding material that is used for the top of the fuel tank for the fuel cell bottom. You can see the three self adhesive pads attached to the bottom of the fuel cell in the picture above.

Here are some pictures of the fuel cell installed.

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