rack conversion..

[CHR1S1990]

I am indeed, which would suggest that it is a sport rack, its just a lot lighter than i would like.

[CHR1S1990]

just checked realoem, and the bolt on the high pressure hose on the rack is listed as "Banjo bolt with check valve" on the E46, as opposed to the "hollow bolt" listed on E30's...

[e301988325i]

I couldn't find the sport rack on real.oem. Nice work, that's where the added feel and weight comes from then, obviously reduces the pressure from the pump to the rack. I wonder if sport rack equipped cars have different power steering pumps?

[monkey]

i have fitted one of these banjo valves to my e46 sport rack and it made no difference to the weight of the steering . dont matter now though as i am used to the rack as it is

[CHR1S1990]

I didnt think you had a sport rack mate? thought your rack part number was one out?

chris

[e301988325i]

He's got a sport rack now.

[CHR1S1990]

oh right - strange how monkeys feels quite light too? or perhaps its sort of subconscious? it is still a MASSIVE improvement over stock. and very very nice to park, even with one hand alex did you say you used an uprated engine mount to help with clearance of the UJ? wouldnt mind an uprated drivers side one for the moment, but nothing as harsh as the likes of hockey pucks that ive read on here! still my everday car

chris

[e301988325i]

www.burtonpower.com and enter their part number fp292 into the search box

[mc_hawkings24]

Hi i've tried fitting the e36 rack again after getting a new steering link to fiddle with. Well it doesnt fit its how the link sits on the rack it hits the downpipe everytime in any position. By the way mine is an 8v

what are peoples thoughts

[Dave_M3]

Don't think anybody has found a way to make it fit with a M40 yet I'm afraid.

I'd like to try it myself though and see if theres some way around it even if it means getting a hammer or angle grinder to the manifold (Wouldn't be too bothered about loosing a few bhp on an M40 over manifold design)

MarkT iirc got a kit off me for his 318i but we couldn't come to any solution so think hes waiting until he gets an M42.

[mc_hawkings24]

Oh i see bloody hell i thought i was doing something completly wrong thinking everyone else has managed to fit one to an m40.

So now i know it will go on an m42 well thats fine as thats what i'll be fitting later on.

ffs what a load of unnecessary hassle lol

[DanThe]

What part of the linkage is hitting the manifold? Would this type solve the problem?

[mc_hawkings24]

Its the lower part on the rack splines wont fit with out taking out the downpipe. Its no bother now
as dave saids it will fit the m42.

merci

[Royalratch]

I've just picked up an E36 rack for £20 and I'm glad I'm going E36 as it seems unless you fit/bleed/cool your E46 rack spot on it's more hassle than the .4 turns it saves over an E36's 3.4.

@ CHR1S1990 - Did you say you bent the E30 hoses yourself That may be what was causing the tailback of PAS fluid.

[e301988325i]

My E46 sport rack has not caused any problems since it boiled the fluid at the nurburgring. I've fitted the PAS oil cooler since, haven't been back to test it, but I will change the fluid before I go! It's been fitted for nearly 2 years now.

[CHR1S1990]

yes, i did bend the pipes myself. I think the cooler pipe or something similar may have been blocked - its been great ever since. let us know how it goes on alex

[kabeer]

good thread..worth reading. i think it's time to grab a E46 330 rack

[e301988325i]

Just out of interest, I've just aquired a 2002 E46 330i touring SE, definitely not a sport one, but the rack has the same feel and lock to lock as my E30's 'clubsport rack'.

[CHR1S1990]

interesting alex! take a look at the banjo bolts to see if one has the valve in it. I removed mine and replaced with the e30 item which solved a few problems

[e301988325i]

solved a few problems

Which problems Chris?

[CHR1S1990]

the rack was locking up as far as I remember, similar symptoms to what you have when your ATF boiled. I fitted a cooler and it still seemed to occur. I took all the banjo bolts out and seems there was a banjo bolt with a valve in it (spring loaded plastic ball IIRC), the high pressure one, which was restricting the flow of the fluid. Ive still kept the cooler though for peace of mind

[Dave_M3]

Blowing his PAS pump with the fluid boiling? :p
Not sure if he had a cooler fitted.


I got my new design for the coolers and E46 rack done now. must fit it and see how it works now in something

[CHR1S1990]

the valve in question:



the spring had crapped itself blocking the hole

sounds good dave, make sure you get some pics up when you do