E30 Zone

Been reading into getting a quick z3 rack and wondering where to get one? Quick look on ebay reveled a few e36 racks but no z3 ones - is this normal? Is the e36 one any good?

also is there anyone on the zone that does these swaps?

http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... c&t=127241

Cheers , anyone know where theres a definative list of parts (spacers etc) needed?

e46 racks are much easier to get hold of with few miles, try fab recyclers

are e46 racks as easy a fit?

No different to an E36 rack apparently

Another question: will i be able to keep my MTechII steering wheel if i swap?

Yep, changing the racks has nothing to do with the steering colum

I managed to pick up a z3 rack for mine last week for £50 quid from a breakers near me . Just ring around, BMW breakers all wanted much more for them

mhobday25 wrote:I managed to pick up a z3 rack for mine last week for £50 quid from a breakers near me . Just ring around, BMW breakers all wanted much more for them

I tried for ages to get hold of a Z3 rack for mine! I gave up in the end!

So the z3 rack is better/quicker than the e36/e46 rack?

I did my research before and found out this:

turns lock to lock :

E30 - 4.0
E36 - 3.6
Z3 - 2.7

So I just kept looking for a Z3, I can't see that you would notice the E36 one

I've just fitted an E46 330 clubsport rack (3 turns lock to lock) and found the fitting quite simple, the E30 steering coupling fits straight on with it mounted in the forward holes on the subframe.

Whether you fit the E36/E46/Z3 you'll notice a massive improvement on the steering feel in comparison to the E30 rack.

Just remember to get the tracking done afterwards..

ooh, didn't know you could use an E46 one, they would be much easier to find. I forgot to say in that last post that an E36 M3 rack is only 3 turns lock to lock, but it is 3 because it is a shorter rack, so won't have the same turning circle

It has to be from the 330 clubsport apparently, I think the standard E46 is either 3.2 or 3.4.

mhobday25 wrote:I did my research before and found out this:

turns lock to lock :

E30 - 4.0
E36 - 3.6
Z3 - 2.7

So I just kept looking for a Z3, I can't see that you would notice the E36 one

Trust me the E36 rack is a MASSIVE improvement - you would have to be driving in America not to notice the difference!

An few of interesting reads

http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... light=rack

http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... ering+rack

http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... ering+rack

E36 rack is 3.4 turns

I want a 330 ClubSport rack!!

Z3 seems to be the one to go with - especially as it seems to slot into the 318iS

Jhonno wrote:E36 rack is 3.4 turns

I want a 330 ClubSport rack!!

so do i, but id imagine theres less of them being broken than z3s

I've just got an 03' E46 318i tourer rack and its 3 turns lock to lock, gave up on looking for another Z3 rack.
And saved myself about £80 in the process.