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DISCUSSION => Suspension => Topic started by: max123 on April 09, 2009, 12:34:57 AM

Title: Z3 rack question
Post by: max123 on April 09, 2009, 12:34:57 AM

I know this topic has been beaten to death - but I need a quick definitive reference.  I am swapping in a Z3 rack.  I don't care about the pros and cons of the various e36 racks - anything is better than the stock beast.  I have been through 3 racks on my car and I'm hoping to have better luck with something other than stock - you would think I would have learned after the first two.

All I want to know is, do I need to modify anything to make the Z3 rack work or is it just fiddling around?

The best writeup I've found so far is at:

http://www.e30dohc.com/wiki/index.php?title=E36_Steering_Rack_Swap

Does anyone have any experience with this - I've read elsewhere that it is basically a straight bolt-on.  Also, if the steering knuck does have to be modified than what is the exact size of the spacer and where do I get one?

Cheers

Title: Z3 rack question
Post by: JP 91iS on April 09, 2009, 12:19:36 PM

You will most likely need to modify the firewall

http://www.rmeuropean.com/bmw-e30-steering.aspx

I haven't done it myself yet but its on the list.
(the procedure is different for airbag cars and nonairbag cars)

Title: Z3 rack question
Post by: tjts1 on April 09, 2009, 01:36:04 PM

No, you won't have to cut the firewall. Its plug and play with a few minor adjustments to the steering column and some washers to the mounting bolts.

Title: Z3 rack question
Post by: max123 on April 09, 2009, 09:07:57 PM

No airbag.  I wasn't sure about the firewall bit - some say it needs to be beaten back other not.  Also, the writeup I cited about shows disassembly of the steering knuckle to add spacers - are you suggesting just adding the spacers where the knuckle mounts to the rack.

Anyway thanks for the advice.

Title: Z3 rack question
Post by: tjts1 on April 09, 2009, 10:06:05 PM

Oh I've never seen a 91 car without an airbag. Nevermind. Different story.

Title: Z3 rack question
Post by: JP 91iS on April 09, 2009, 11:22:09 PM

Quote from: tjts1;69776

Its plug and play with a few minor adjustments to the steering column and some washers to the mounting bolts.

Can I get some links for more details?

Title: Z3 rack question
Post by: tjts1 on April 10, 2009, 02:16:20 AM

The first guy to use washers.
http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showpost.php?p=786620&postcount=171

My swap in same thread.
http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showpost.php?p=1039419&postcount=235

The guy that started the thread said to bend the mounting tabs for the rack in order to fit it. DON'T DO THAT! Just unbolt one of the two engine mounts and jack up the engine by the oil pan about 1" or two. That'll give you enough clearance to install the rack.
Good luck

Title: Z3 rack question
Post by: max123 on April 11, 2009, 08:13:20 PM

thanks for the info - seems pretty painless.