E30 Steering Rack Replacement - E36 or Z3 rack?

[Padji]

Hi folks,

First post on here (will get an intro post up soon).

The steering rack on my 318is is leaking and I'm considering replacement options. I have an E36 M3 rack available close to me but I believe a Z3 rack is the best option for the E30s?

I've done a bit of searching on line but the results are mostly US sites and I believe the parts needed are different for a RHD model?

Anyway, can someone tell me, in simple terms, what I need to replace the E30 rack to either an E36 M3 rack or a Z3 one?
The car is a is a '91 318is..

Many thanks,
Paddy

[gromgsxr]

I used the purple tag 067 rack from a e46 compact bout 3 turns lock to lock feels much better the the e30 one I had guy on hear does a set of pipes that bolt up look quality made his name is danthe

[harry_p]

Z3 is best, but expensive.

E46 067 is close, and a fair bit cheaper and easier to get hold of.

E36 m3 rack is the same as a standard ratio, it just has a couple of washers to restrict lock. You're better off with a big standard e36 rack for £20 than pay three times as much for an m3 one!

All are a considerable improvement on the standard e30 rack though.

[smithysmith]

As above, go for an e46 rack part no. ending 067. It will be newer and likely better condition than an e36 or z3 rack. The e46 rack is just under 3 turns lock to lock too which is less than the e36 rack.

[rich318i]

compared to the E30 rack all are better but the Z3 and told the E46 are abit quick not great for the motorway E36 one is nice which i have and never looked back

[HairyScreech]

There are tons of purple tag racks on ebay at the moment, fill your boots. I picked one up the other week for £40 delivered.

[DanThe]

E46 rack every time, much better than an E36, I found the Z3 2.7 turn rack oversensitive on an E30

[leeparkes]

What model E46 does the 067 rack come from? i see compact mentioned but does that mean all e46 compacts will have a 067 rack?
What about the e46 coupes/saloons?

I too am upgrading to e46 soon but from an e36 rack.

[Padji]

What model E46 does the 067 rack come from? i see compact mentioned but does that mean all e46 compacts will have a 067 rack?
What about the e46 coupes/saloons?

I too am upgrading to e46 soon but from an e36 rack.

Would be interested in finding this out too.

Also, is it just a matter of replacing the rack and pipes and your ready to go?
I believe for fitting the z3 racks the knuckle has to be grinded down?
I'd never be lucky enough to get a link to a thread on the replacement?

[smithysmith]

The 067 racks used to be known as clubsport racks but they were fitted to other e46's too. Mine came from a 2001 320d. It's just a case of getting the seller to confirm the purple tag before buying.

Loads of info on here about fitting these racks to m20/m50 cars but for the benefit of the Op to fit to my 318is i used:

Danthe custom pipes and rack spacers (above the rack)
The original steering linkage - with rubber guibo removed and the two halfs bolted together with a 3mm spacer instead
Complete E30 track rods off my old rack - the e46 racks do not have flats for the lock washers so I used a bit of loctite
E30 rack boots

The issue with the iS is the lower steering uj fouling the manifold. A custom or corsa bastardised linkage won't fix this as its the uj itself which rubs. There are two options. Fit the rack to the forward mount holes or put a spacer washer(s) under the engine mount(s). 5mm did the trick on mine but to be honest I drove it with the rack in both positions and it feels the same.

[jimmyspeed]

z3 rack fits straight on to the original steering column no mods needed, you just need the modded pipes and spacers

[jamlid]

Does this sound right as two options for an m20b25?

Expensive way done properly:
E46 rack ending in 067
E34 Universal Joints (2 of)
E30 Universal Joints (2 of, taken from car)
Danthe UJ spacer
Danthe custom pipes
Danthe rack spacers

Cheap way not as reliable or well documented:
E46 rack ending in 067
Corsa C Universal Joints + centre section
Bending existing PAS pipes (chance of damage)
Universal washers for spacing the rack