Is the Z3 rack really any better?

[kramerica5000]

Common opinion states that the Z3 rack is the best because it has the least turns from stop to stop. But I've also read that all the e36 racks have essentially the same turning ratio, just some have tighter bump stops. I also read on this thread that the Z3 rack actually increases your turning radius because its shorter due to fitment issues on the Z3 chassis.

So is there any real, significant benefit to be had by going with the Z3 rack (added: over the e36 rack)?

[D. Clay]

Common opinion states that the Z3 rack is the best because it has the least turns from stop to stop. But I've also read that all the e36 racks have essentially the same turning ratio, just some have tighter bump stops. I also read on this thread that the Z3 rack actually increases your turning radius because its shorter due to fitment issues on the Z3 chassis.
So is there any real, significant benefit to be had by going with the Z3 rack?

All 10/93 to 9/95 M3 and 10/95 with the S50 instead of the S52 motor have rack #32132227191 which is the quick one that is 3.0 turns lock to lock. The E36 cars in general are 3.2. The Z3 rack is limited to lateral movement as noted above but it could be the rack or it could be mechanical stops between the control arms and spindles. Not sure which. The E30 M42 cars are 4.0.

[bmwman91]

Yes.

My turning radius is no different (can still make a U on a 1.5 lane road).  2.7 turn ratio versus 4...you feel the difference, trust me.  I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

[D. Clay]

Yes.

My turning radius is no different (can still make a U on a 1.5 lane road).  2.7 turn ratio versus 4...you feel the difference, trust me.  I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

2.7 - Wow! That's as quick as my wife's 2005 Honda Civic 4 door.

[gearheadE30]

The turning radius isn't really that much worse. I went with the normal e36 rack, which is actually more like 3.1 turns (not the the difference matters or is noticeable) and I love it. The difference is great, but it isn't so fast that I have to pay undue attention to it. The normal e36 racks also command a much lower price. That was the main factor for me. I got mine for $100 shipped. It leaks a bit, but sonce I'm not running power steering, it doesn't really matter.

[kramerica5000]

Yes ... no doubt its better than the stock 4.0. I'm definitely doing the swap, but I'm leaning towards just getting an e36 rack since they are easier to find and are cheaper and it seems like there isn't a whole lot of difference between the way the Z3/95M3 racks and the regular E36 racks feel on the road.

Yes.

My turning radius is no different (can still make a U on a 1.5 lane road).  2.7 turn ratio versus 4...you feel the difference, trust me.  I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

I'm still waiting on your install pics!

The turning radius isn't really that much worse. I went with the normal e36 rack, which is actually more like 3.1 turns (not the the difference matters or is noticeable) and I love it. The difference is great, but it isn't so fast that I have to pay undue attention to it. The normal e36 racks also command a much lower price. That was the main factor for me. I got mine for $100 shipped. It leaks a bit, but sonce I'm not running power steering, it doesn't really matter.

[tjts1]

Yes.

My turning radius is no different (can still make a U on a 1.5 lane road).  2.7 turn ratio versus 4...you feel the difference, trust me.  I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

I think the debate is between a normal 3.2 turn E36 rack vs the Z3 tack. I just took the 3.2 turn rack out for its first spin tonight and I love it. The manual steering is a bit heavier than the stock 4 turn rack with manual steering but nothing I can't manage. It finally feels like a normal car. But I found that at 1.5 turns to either side it rubs the inner fender.

[kramerica5000]

I think the debate is between a normal 3.2 turn E36 rack vs the Z3 tack. I just took the 3.2 turn rack out for its first spin tonight and I love it. The manual steering is a bit heavier than the stock 4 turn rack with manual steering but nothing I can't manage. It finally feels like a normal car. But I found that at 1.5 turns to either side it rubs the inner fender.

Yes ... that is what I meant. I was comparing the Z3 rack to all other e36 racks, not the stock E30 rack. I should have been more clear

[Asserti]

I think the debate is between a normal 3.2 turn E36 rack vs the Z3 tack. I just took the 3.2 turn rack out for its first spin tonight and I love it. The manual steering is a bit heavier than the stock 4 turn rack with manual steering but nothing I can't manage. It finally feels like a normal car. But I found that at 1.5 turns to either side it rubs the inner fender.

with manual, you mean, without servo?

I heard, the best option you can get is the E30 M3 with servo. The servo is not too light and you get 2.7 or 3 turns, don't know anymore.

[tjts1]

With manual steering. E30 M3 rack has 3.5 turns and its expensive.

[BrandC]

Parallel parking is a breeze, even with no PS. Canyon carving is a different story, it made me fall in love with my E30 all over again...

[batsbats]

Ahh I'm so jealous.  I'm not sure what my previous car ('90 prelude si) had, but driving the 318iS, feels like I'm steering a boat!

It's on my wishlist..Does the z3 swap require any special tools or tricks?

[tjts1]

LOL!
90 prelude SI had 4WS. I had an 89. I know what you mean.

[silverblades181]

I used a 1997 M3 rack, 3.25 lock to lock ratio. Huge difference. I love it.

[Frankie]

I just bought the E36 steering rack. However, I read that the swap is not that straight forward with EURO spec cars, meaning that conversion needs more severe modifications to get it work.

Have any one done same modification to EURO spec car as it has been explained here?