new steering racks

[sna77]

Hi all, 92 318 convertible. Want to replace the steering rack, but they are NLA. What options so I have?

Thanks!
Steve

[khiobrien2]

Turner sells a brand new z3 rack (a common upgrade, 2.7LTL vs 4 stock) on their site for $429 which isn't awful from what ive seen.

Link - https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-5...steering-rack/ (it says z3m, but also says 2.7ltl so it is probably a regular z3 rack)

[82eye]

Turner sells a brand new z3 rack (a common upgrade, 2.7LTL vs 4 stock) on their site for $429 which isn't awful from what ive seen.

Link - https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-5...steering-rack/ (it says z3m, but also says 2.7ltl so it is probably a regular z3 rack)

that's the one i went with. it's a new rack, but not a bmw rack, it is aftermarket. there's also the real deal for sale on the board right now for $250.

[sna77]

that's the one i went with. it's a new rack, but not a bmw rack, it is aftermarket. there's also the real deal for sale on the board right now for $250.

Will fit cars without airbag? If you go Z3, it looks like you need to use this plate:

https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/forum/e30-classified-forums/for-sale-wanted/parts-for-sale/9872086-z3-e36-steering-rack-plate-for-late-model-e30-s

[sna77]

what about someone that rebuilds them?

[e30davie]

yer there's a few rebuild places around me in Australia, I'm sure there would be someone around you too. And if you get enthusiastic you can DIY it. it looks quite straightforward. just have to be methodical.

https://classicbimmerbits.com/e30-how-to/e30-steering-rack-rebuild/

[khiobrien2]

Will fit cars without airbag? If you go Z3, it looks like you need to use this plate:
https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/for...te-model-e30-s

Yes. You will need to buy a conversion hardware kit ($20 from garagistic or find the hardware), buy new hoses or bend them, and cut a hole in your firewall to move the entrance slightly. That plate isn’t necessarily essential from what I understand.

[82eye]

Will fit cars without airbag? If you go Z3, it looks like you need to use this plate:
https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/for...te-model-e30-s

air bag cars are more involved and will need the firewall modified with that plate. it's a pretty easy job.

[82eye]

what about someone that rebuilds them?

there are places. many won't do it now unless you can supply an identical core. so if you want the 2.7 ltl z3 rack you need to find one to send back. whatever you do stay away from rack doctor. you'll never see a rack or your money again.

[khiobrien2]

what about someone that rebuilds them?

Most require a core unless you want to eat a fee. IE sells rebuilt OE ones with a core charge too ($455 + $175 if you dont supply a core).

[82eye]

Most require a core unless you want to eat a fee. IE sells rebuilt OE ones with a core charge too ($455 + $175 if you dont supply a core).

they can't do it now unless you supply a core in advance, which puts the car down until it can get a rack sent back. they can't always do an exchange as there aren't enough racks left in the wild. it's the reason turner and others have gone to non-bmw aftermarket racks.