Expansion Tank Bracket — BMW E36 / E46, Strut Tower Mount (STL File)
Expansion Tank Bracket (BMW E36 / E46) – 3D printable bracket that moves the coolant expansion tank to the strut tower for shorter hoses and easy cap access.
- Fits: BMW E36 / E46
- STL file only – digital download
- €35 excl. VAT
The BMW E36 E46 Expansion Tank Bracket mounts the coolant expansion tank on the strut tower, further toward the centre of the car. Shorter hoses, easy access to the cap, designed to be printed in a material that copes with under-bonnet heat. This listing is the STL file only – no physical part is shipped. More parts for your build are in our 3D printables range.
Read the full product description, specifications & FAQ
What it is
A bracket that holds the coolant expansion tank on the strut tower.
We designed it on our own E46 build. The original tank position didn’t work any more, so instead of clamping the tank somewhere and hoping, we modelled a proper mount — and moved the tank further toward the centre of the car while we were at it. Shorter hose runs, and you can reach the cap without pulling half the engine bay apart.
If your tank has lost its home — swap, different radiator, rebuilt front end — this is the part that gives it one.
Why PA-GF and not PLA or PETG
An engine bay is a bad place for a printed part unless the material is right.
PLA starts to soften around 60 °C. PETG around 75 °C. Both slowly sag under a constant load next to a hot engine — and a full expansion tank is a load that never goes away.
PA-GF is glass fibre reinforced nylon. The fibre keeps the bracket stiff, holds the geometry at under-bonnet temperatures, and takes vibration without going brittle. It’s the same reason plenty of factory under-bonnet brackets are moulded from glass filled nylon rather than plain plastic.
- 🔧 PA-GF, glass fibre reinforced
- 🔥 Built for under-bonnet heat
- ⚙️ Designed in-house, tested on our E46
- 🏁 Tank sits inboard — easier access
What you get
The STL file — instant download after payment. Nothing ships. Print it yourself or hand it to any shop that runs nylon. Same geometry we run on our car.
Specification
| Fits | BMW E36, E46 |
| Function | Mounts the coolant expansion tank to the strut tower |
| Developed on | Our own E46 build |
| Recommended material | PA-GF — glass fibre reinforced polyamide |
| Design | Designed in-house, Lithuania |
| Bolts / hardware | Not included |
| Available as | STL file (digital download) |
| Delivery | Instant download after payment |
FAQ
What does this bracket actually do?
It holds the coolant expansion tank on the strut tower. That’s the whole job — it’s a mount, nothing else. The tank, hoses and hardware are not part of it.
Will it fit my E36 or E46?
It’s made for E36 and E46 chassis. We designed it on our own E46 build. If your engine bay has been changed around and you’re not sure, send us a photo — we’ll tell you straight.
Does the tank sit in the original place?
No. It sits further toward the centre of the car. That shortens the hose runs and makes the cap reachable when the car is hot.
Do I need to change or shorten my coolant hoses?
Depends on where your tank was sitting before. The new position is more central, so plan on checking your hose lengths when you fit it.
Do the bolts come with it?
No. Hardware isn’t included — bolt it up with what suits your car.
Will a 3D printed bracket survive engine bay heat?
PA-GF will. PLA and PETG won’t — they soften at roughly 60 °C and 75 °C, and a loaded bracket slowly deforms. Glass fibre reinforced nylon holds its shape at under-bonnet temperatures and stays stiff. It’s a normal OEM material for under-bonnet brackets for exactly that reason.
Is it as strong as an aluminium bracket?
It carries an expansion tank, not a suspension load. PA-GF is stiff enough for the job, damps vibration better than aluminium, and needs no welding or coating. It’s a bracket, not a structural part.
What exactly do I get?
The STL file for the bracket, as an instant download after payment. You print it yourself or send it to a shop that prints nylon. Nothing ships.
Can I print it in PLA?
Fine for a test fit on the car. Don’t drive on it. PLA won’t hold up next to a hot engine, and the tank will end up somewhere you don’t want it.
Do you make brackets for other chassis?
We design in-house, so yes — tell us what you’re building. 🔧
BMW E36 E46 Expansion Tank Bracket – Fitting Notes
Before fitting the BMW E36 E46 Expansion Tank Bracket, plan the hose routing from the radiator and engine to the new tank position, and make sure nothing touches hot or moving parts. Tighten the fixings evenly and check them again after the first heat cycle.
If you print the bracket yourself, use a glass fibre reinforced nylon such as PA-GF for the stiffness and heat resistance the bracket needs. Read more about how an engine cooling system works.
Why Choose This BMW E36 E46 Expansion Tank Bracket
After an engine swap, a radiator change or a rebuilt front end, the original tank position often no longer works. The BMW E36 E46 Expansion Tank Bracket gives the tank a proper, secure home instead of a temporary clamp. Because the BMW E36 E46 Expansion Tank Bracket moves the tank inboard, the hoses are shorter and the cap is easy to reach.
BMW E36 E46 Expansion Tank Bracket FAQ
Which cars does it fit?
The BMW E36 E46 Expansion Tank Bracket is designed for the E36 and E46 strut tower.
Are bolts included?
No, bolts are not included.
Can I print it myself?
Yes – that is how it is sold. Download the STL file after payment and print the part in PA-GF or a similar material.
Are prices shown with VAT?
No, all prices are excluding VAT.
