I,ve got an '88 325i and the other weekend the steering rack dumped its fluid. Decided if I'm going to the effort of replacing might as we'll upgrade to a shorter lock to lock.
Having spent what seems like forever trying to research this, seem to have as many questions as answers, which hopefully someone can clear up.
From what I can conclude at a sensible cost (thus excluding z3 rack) a 3 turn lock to lock seems the best option.
Options
'95 E36 M3, which in quick searching have failed to find one available.
02+ E46 330ci
E46 compact
The E36 rack needs the well noted knuckle adaption and spacers. However Total BMW suggest the E46 rack is a straight swap for E30 with only 14mm spacer to the rack mount, yet forums seem to suggest it is also a straight swap for E36. With the mod required for the E36 rack both can't be right. Is it a straight swap?
Is there anywhere in the UK to get a spacer kit or is it worth ordering from the US?
For the E36 swap it suggests the high pressure PS hose can be bent, is this the case for the E46 rack or is it best to just get replacements?
Having searched for a compact rack, I've found 4 different racks available, all noting different part codes. Are all compact racks 3 turns? If not is there a specific part code for the right rack, also for the right 330ci rack?
There was a note on one post of a clash with an exhaust, are there any issues with any of the above?
Thanks in advance for any answers.
Scott
Steering rack conversion
Moderator: martauto
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steve_k
- E30 Zone Team Member
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if you decide to go for the e46 rack then talk to danthe on here as he does the pipes needed to fit it for about £120.
if it's got t*ts or wheels it's bound to be trouble...............prove me wrong.
getting oral sex off an ugly person is like rock climbing.....don't look down ;)
getting oral sex off an ugly person is like rock climbing.....don't look down ;)
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G-Bear
- E30 Zone Squatter
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DanThe on here supplies hoses for this conversion I think he might do the 14mm spacers as well. PM him or I'm sure he'll be on here soon enough..
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G-Bear
- E30 Zone Squatter
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- Location: Hertfordshire
Steve_k must have typed up at the same time.. 
like he said..
like he said..-
Mcscotty
- E30 Zone Newbie
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Mon Jan 22, 2007 11:00 pm
- Location: Essex
Hi
Eventually got round to fitting an e46 3 turn rack, new pipes from DanThe and burton mounts, all back together to find that the bottom nuckle of the modified column is scuffing the exhaust system.
Any ideas other than a club hammer?
Thanks
Scott
Eventually got round to fitting an e46 3 turn rack, new pipes from DanThe and burton mounts, all back together to find that the bottom nuckle of the modified column is scuffing the exhaust system.
Any ideas other than a club hammer?
Thanks
Scott
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DanThe
- E30 Zone Team Member
- Posts: 28649
- Joined: Sat Sep 10, 2005 11:00 pm
- Location: Staffs
M20 engine? What exhaust system? Any pics?
You will be glad you didnt go for the E36 M3 rack, its less desirable than a standard E36 rack
You will be glad you didnt go for the E36 M3 rack, its less desirable than a standard E36 rack
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Mcscotty
- E30 Zone Newbie
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Mon Jan 22, 2007 11:00 pm
- Location: Essex
Hi dan
M20 engine, standard exhaust.
Have a photo can't figure out how to attach at the moment?
M20 engine, standard exhaust.
Have a photo can't figure out how to attach at the moment?