Will a z3 steering rack bolt straight onto a 1989 325ise?
Making for a cheap quick rack conversion
positive ive read somewhere that this is possible and is a decent modification.
Any thoughts/advice?
Steering Rack Question
Moderator: martauto
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jimmyspeed
- E30 Zone Regular

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yes it will bolt straight on, apart from the powersteering pump lines which need bending a bit or swapping for custom built ones
i swapped mine the other week for a z3 unit, but you will need to search the forum for exhaust manifold clearance as it changes the angle of the universal joints
i fitted a custom manifold so it wasnt a problem for me
the z3 rack is the quickest but can be expensive I've seen them go for £150 on ebay but i got mine from a breaker for £30
alot of people are using a e46 rack with a specific part number , have a search around and im sure you can find it
i swapped mine the other week for a z3 unit, but you will need to search the forum for exhaust manifold clearance as it changes the angle of the universal joints
i fitted a custom manifold so it wasnt a problem for me
the z3 rack is the quickest but can be expensive I've seen them go for £150 on ebay but i got mine from a breaker for £30
alot of people are using a e46 rack with a specific part number , have a search around and im sure you can find it
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maxfield
- Old Skooler

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It won't just bolt straight on.
You will need to make 2 spacers approx 14mm to bolt it to the subframe.
And also make something for steering linkage.
You will need to make 2 spacers approx 14mm to bolt it to the subframe.
And also make something for steering linkage.

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jimmyspeed
- E30 Zone Regular

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true i forgot about the spacers
the linkage bolts straight on though
the linkage bolts straight on though
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maxfield
- Old Skooler

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My linkage hasn't bolted straight on either my E36 or E46 rack and I've never read anywhere else that the linkage bolts straight on.

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jimmyspeed
- E30 Zone Regular

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i thought that aswell and even tried to get hold of a e36 to link them together, i also only found one post that said there the same, but they are and mine fitted straight on , its definetly a z3 rack as the part no is correct and the racks body is partly steel
found it -- http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... ght=spline
found it -- http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... ght=spline
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DanThe
- E30 Zone Team Member

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I have some custom PAS pipes available for E36/E46/Z3 rack swaps, can bring to santa pod if you order before midday tomorrow




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Dweller
- E30 Zone Newbie

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Thanks guys i'll look into it. Also gona do the z3 short shifter conversion!
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G-Bear
- E30 Zone Squatter

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Here's a page about marring the UJ up. It's for the E36 M3 rack mind. I'm don't know it its the same for the Z3?
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G-Bear
- E30 Zone Squatter

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