E36 Steering Rack Conversion, Core Charge ???

[bmwman91]

I have everything worked out for what I will need to stuff in a 1995 M3 rack. However, I called BMA to make sure I would get the core charge back if I sent in my original "M42" rack and they said no.

So, for those who have done this, do you just eat the core charge, or are there places that will refund it? This seems like BS, the core charge is the same on every rebuilt rack, and they all get rebuilt & re-sold anyway. WTF?

I would greatly prefer to NOT buy a used one. The end seals on my current one are blown and I don't want to have the car pissing PS fluid again in a month. If you have a hot tip on a reputable rebuilt one somewhere, lemme know! Thanks!

[Jean]

Ok, explain what the requirements are for the core ?

Try calling Euro Depot ?

[bmwman91]

Well, BMA said that they need the SAME rack model back as the one they sell you. It is one of the Maval rebuilt ones with a $150 core charge. I guess it doesn't matter that the core fee is the same for all rebuilt racks, and that the E30 M42 one is more expensive anyway.

I'll try the Euro Depot. Yarg, this is frustrating!

[bmwman91]

Well, upon the recommendation of Stuck I went to car-part.com. Landed a 1997 Z3 1.9L rack for $200. It is used, but I had the assurance of the reseller that there were no leaks whatsoever. 105k miles on it, and I suppose if i have to rebuild it in the future I can. Stuck also mentioned that it is very, VERY hard to rebuild a steering rack. Anyone ever tried it?

[e30 gangsta]

I have not tried it but they rebuild them here locally for around 150 bucks. With new tie rod ends.

[Sean]

I can imagine that it would be very difficult. I got a used Z3 2.8i rack, with about 50,000 miles on it. In all honesty, with 100k on it, I don't think you need to worry about leaking.

And, that core refund...that sounds right. The manufacturer that does the rebuilding is only going to take the same rack as they just sold - its the way to run the business, so you can't get mad at BMA, they are just middle men.

[rkettner]

send them back your originial rack. they often don't look too hard on cores anyway so you're likely going to get your 150 back.