M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS

DISCUSSION => General Topics => Topic started by: Birdman16 on March 31, 2009, 12:45:32 PM

Title: Steering rack
Post by: Birdman16 on March 31, 2009, 12:45:32 PM

Hey guys,

I'm having trouble locating parts to rebuild my e30 but I definately want to upgrade the steering rack before I get it back on the road.

What is the best bet/ what do you use?

I was told a nice upgrade for the car is an e30 m3 steering rack, but was wondering if there were any other conversions out there that are not hard as hell.  

I can do pretty much anything to the car mechanically and I'm very repair savvy.  Please let me know because I'd like to order one soon.

Title: Steering rack
Post by: tjts1 on March 31, 2009, 12:54:21 PM

Any E36 rack will work.
http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=66247
Go to the later pages in that thread. You'll find a lot of good info on how to avoid buying all those damn parts. Also whatever you do, DON'T BEND THE MOUNTING TABS!!! There is a work around.

Title: Steering rack
Post by: Cloud on March 31, 2009, 05:25:11 PM

A common and relatively plug-and-play swap is to use the rack from a Z3.

I have one installed, and it's literally the best thing about the whole car.

Title: Steering rack
Post by: gearheadE30 on April 02, 2009, 12:43:00 PM

I used an e36 rack, 3.2 turns lock to lock. Didn't have to bend anything, it pretty much slid right in. Must have something to do with the different oilpan.