E36 rack into M50 converted 318is..

Post Tue Jul 18, 2006 7:04 pm

I'm not super mechanically minded so I'm getting a local garage to do this conversion for me.

They are struggling to get the E36 rack in, not only because of the coupling length/spline issue but also they are saying where the bolts go through the rack isnt working out - diffrerent thicknesses I think...

Any body help on this? I need to be able to give them a simple breakdown of how to get the rack in! (this is before they have even atempted the engine install!!!!!!)

All help much appreciated!

Post Tue Jul 18, 2006 7:45 pm

They only need to make 2 spacers to compensate for the thinner E36 rack's mounting lugs. I simply took an aluminium square section bar of the correct thickness, cut two small pieces from it and drilled a hole in each piece. This install used round spacers:

If that is too cmplicated for them they can simply use a stack of washers instead of spacers, but if it is, you probably should find somone else to work on your car.

By the way, my conversion used the original coupling, but because there are several styls of couplings, that may not be the case for your car.

Avner.

Post Tue Jul 18, 2006 7:49 pm

Click here for the Tech Article

All you need to know is in the above link. You can download the write up and full size pics from the link above the pics.

Basically, you need two spacers to bolt the E36 rack into the E30 because of the difference in the mount thickness on the rack.
The steering joint assembly is a mixture of E30 and E36 joints with a custom made spacer - see the tech article.

EDIT - Avner beat me to it. I couldnt find the pic of my E36 rack mounted, but thats about it.

Post Wed Jul 19, 2006 2:09 am

i believe the pre-87 e30 had a slightly shorter U-joint link as some of my friends didn't have to make the spacers, but just moved the rack position in front, but those with post 88 bodies had to fabricate the spacer

I'm not sure if this will affect the steerings geometrical design and function if it the rack is moved 1-1.5 inches in front, i didn't move it as i had the m50 lump in.

Post Wed Jul 19, 2006 9:48 am

teejay wrote:i believe the pre-87 e30 had a slightly shorter U-joint link as some of my friends didn't have to make the spacers, but just moved the rack position in front, but those with post 88 bodies had to fabricate the spacer

I'm not sure if this will affect the steerings geometrical design and function if it the rack is moved 1-1.5 inches in front, i didn't move it as i had the m50 lump in.

When you say 'moved the rack position in front', do you mean the front holes in the subframe have been used to bolt the rack in place?

Post Wed Jul 19, 2006 12:39 pm

Guys, thanks for the link and info.

The workshop I'm using do a fair bit of older BM work but are'nt used to real modification work so I need to make it as simple and painless as possible for them!!!

Also, using those forward mounted holes would affect geometry (in a bad way) as the arms need to be as straight as possible but also might be prone to flexing as they are farther away from the main member than the original holes...

Post Wed Jul 19, 2006 10:09 pm

LittleT wrote: Also, using those forward mounted holes would affect geometry (in a bad way) as the arms need to be as straight as possible but also might be prone to flexing as they are farther away from the main member than the original holes...

Strength would be my main concern. I know each E30 is slightly different, but mine only has 2-3mm of material between the front holes and the front of the rack mounts, so I wouldnt risk using the front holes.