Author Topic: E36 steering rack conversion (Read 13345 times)

M42boy · « **on:** January 25, 2007, 08:56:24 PM »

Has anyone here done the E36 sterring rack conversion on thier 318is?

Is it much improvement?? I know the turning circle is greatly reduced (turns lock to lock), and it's quicker, and should have better feel (I hope).

I think I'm about to do it. I've got to change out the steering pump, and I think the rack isn't holding up so well either. I figure it's time to replace it, and why not get an E36 rack, as I hear it's not difficult to convert.

I had looked at a really good (detailed) write up on how to do the convesion, but can't remember which site and where. I've tried searching, but can't seem to find it.

If anyone has the link... It would be greatly appreciated.

D. Clay · « **Reply #1 on:** January 25, 2007, 11:39:58 PM »

Search r3v for threads started by "Ritalin Kid". I've put one in my car and you can get by with just rounding up some shims. The mount flanges on the E36 rack are about a quarter inch shorter. There's pics on r3v. I bent the high pressure line around to fit the E36 rack. You can buy the E36 line if you want but it's pricey. The inlet is on the side of the E30 rack and on top of the E36 - about 90 degrees different.
To change the firewall opening an air driven rotary file is perfect or a dremel.
I really like the change. The E36 rack is 3 turns. The E30 is 4. It's really noticable but you get used to it real quick as it makes the E30 like an E36. A Honda Civic is 2.75. My wife's econo-box has quicker steering than my BMW!

Shocker · « **Reply #2 on:** January 25, 2007, 11:45:50 PM »

How about a rack out of E30 M3?

dude8383 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 26, 2007, 12:51:31 AM »

Quote from: Shocker;18224

How about a rack out of E30 M3?

if it came out of an airbag m3 (some 89's, 90 and up) then it should bolt right up.

honestly you're better of finding an e36 rack because you can score one much cheaper! i bought my 98 m3 rack for $145 shipped and absolutely love it!

nickmpower · « **Reply #4 on:** January 26, 2007, 12:54:31 AM »

z3 rack for 110 FTW

romkasponka · « **Reply #5 on:** January 26, 2007, 04:12:13 AM »

I fitted E36 rack few days ago, without any special mods. I dont use power steering. Damper was replaced with solid peace of metal. I will do few pics later..

2002maniac · « **Reply #6 on:** January 26, 2007, 07:46:04 AM »

Quote from: nickmpower;18227

z3 rack for 110 FTW

Got mine for 65 shipped! :p

asubimmer · « **Reply #7 on:** January 26, 2007, 07:55:59 AM »

Quote from: 2002maniac;18233

Got mine for 65 shipped! :p

they didn't have two did they?? :cool:

dino245 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 26, 2007, 10:47:58 AM »

I installed a Z3 rack which I bought for 50 shipped eliminated the hydro piston in it, siliconed the hose passages and installed it with an early non airbag column and love the solid feel. forget power steering this car doesnt need it.

BrandC · « **Reply #9 on:** January 26, 2007, 01:43:45 PM »

Relevant hijack:

There is a used/junker website that lists the prices/sellers of available OEM parts. I'm having trouble remembering what it is. I saw Z3 racks as cheap as $90 on there. Anyone know what I'm talking about?

2002maniac · « **Reply #10 on:** January 26, 2007, 02:13:01 PM »

Quote from: BrandC;18250

Relevant hijack:

There is a used/junker website that lists the prices/sellers of available OEM parts. I'm having trouble remembering what it is. I saw Z3 racks as cheap as $90 on there. Anyone know what I'm talking about?

car-part.com?

dude8383 · « **Reply #11 on:** January 26, 2007, 05:16:00 PM »

depends on which Z3 rack you guys picked up... the ratio's were different for the trim's

BrandC · « **Reply #12 on:** January 26, 2007, 07:27:02 PM »

Quote from: 2002maniac;18254

car-part.com?

YESSSSSSSSSSS thanks Maniac.

BrandC · « **Reply #13 on:** January 26, 2007, 07:28:07 PM »

Quote from: dude8383;18260

depends on which Z3 rack you guys picked up... the ratio's were different for the trim's

Anything's better than the steering ratio of a bus on E30's.

dude8383 · « **Reply #14 on:** January 26, 2007, 11:58:37 PM »

Quote from: BrandC;18264

Anything's better than the steering ratio of a bus on E30's.

haha yes, that is true.