z3 steering rack

Tue Jun 30, 2009 12:01 pm

Just a quick one. Is it all z3 rack that fit e30s or just certain ones? Thanks, Ash

Tue Jun 30, 2009 12:28 pm

and does it fit an iS?

Tue Jun 30, 2009 1:16 pm

It's the non M version racks that are quicker. They don't just go straight on though, abit of DIY is involved in making them fit.
Have a look here:
http://www.e3024v.com/reference.htm

Tue Jun 30, 2009 1:22 pm

Ash - I believe so, but its the 1.9L rack thats the sort after one.

Cypriotgeeza - I believe it should find its home under all E30 engines, but requires a tadd modification to fit. One of the pipes needs to be bent, and you need to put some washers under the rack to adjust its position slightly. You can use a kit to fit it (and avoid bending the pipe), I believe Dave_M3 makes these kits.

Finally, if you have a performance/aftermarket manifold, you may find the slightly new position of the steering column is in the way and you'll find you cant have both. I know this is the case with the 325i coupled with a BTB manifold. Lets hope they make the BTB version 3 that will bypass this problem

Tue Jun 30, 2009 1:26 pm

thanx for the info mate..much appreciated

Tue Jun 30, 2009 1:46 pm

Cypriotgeeza wrote:thanx for the info mate..much appreciated

np

Tue Jun 30, 2009 3:35 pm

The car is a z3 2.8 should this fit? Thanks, Ash

Tue Jun 30, 2009 3:40 pm

I believe it should, but not entirely sure. I wont be as fast as the 1.9L one, but will be a massive improvement never-the-less.

I'm pretty sure all E36/E46/Z3 racks work and possibly Z4 i think as well. May require slightly different mods, but same stuff really.

How much are you getting it for? Is it a sly find or a breaker car or what? as If its free, no harm getting a fitting kit for ease of use and just trying it. And with a fitting kit, any later-than-E30 rack should work otherwise.

Dont hold my word to this though. Wait for someone with experience to pop along!

Tue Jun 30, 2009 3:42 pm

I know of a guy who has one but he wants £250 for it? But I cant seem to find one anywhere. If it is the right one then I will consider it but probs wont bother if not mate

Tue Jun 30, 2009 3:53 pm

IMO, no dont. A good Z3 rack 1.9L one with a 2.4 turn Lock-To-Lock can be had at the silly price of £150-£200. But they are very hard to find...

Consider getting an E36 rack (any of them) and you may find one for free or for < £50. Do a home DIY fit with bending the pipe for the steering fluid (so the standard hose can reach!) and your set with an uprated rack. If you enjoy the benefits, then consider forking out for one of the more sort after racks. And maybe a fitting kit but they are expensive for what they are.

IMHO, I think a 2.8L Z3 rack should be worth £100 or less. Theres lots on the zone about uprated steering racks, so rather than regurgate information (and start dolling out wrong info) have a little search, there should be tons of info. There is one thread somewhere about all the racks and their lock-to-lock info.

Good luck dude.