E36 racks: let's settle it once and for all.

[franken325i]

great thread you guys sold me on the z3 rack. a guy at the local high school drives one hes going to be pissed one of these days when he tries to drive home. :twisted:

[evandael]

From what i understand from EVERYTHING i have seen and read the z3 1.9 rack has the shortest ratio among them.

just so everyone understands, the all z3 racks are the same, at least on those models included here:

http://realoem.com/bmw/partxref.do?part=32131095575%09

[ClayW]

91 325i w/airbag

I have a 1991 325i with an airbag. The rack needs replacement, so I need some advice.

I like the idea of upgrading to the Z3 rack. Which year(s) do I need to look for and what hardware do I need to swap them? I come from the world of 1600s and 2002s, so I've never touched a rack and pinion.

Thanks in advance.

[benz-tech]

I have a steering rack from a basic E36 325i 4-dr sedan with an automatic. It is so flickable now. One of the few things that brings a smile to my face when pushing though the M42's lack of power.

[John Beton]

Exactly what i needed to know, thank you!

[jeffnhiscars]

IIRC the e30 M rack has the same ratio as the e30 non M rack. The only difference is that due to the wider stock tires, the stops are different...so its fewer turns lock to lock, but the exact same ratio.

[RGCintha29073]

From what i understand from EVERYTHING i have seen and read the z3 1.9 rack has the shortest ratio among them.

[John Beton]

Would an E30 M3 rack be a worthwhile upgrade?

I would like to know the same thing. Which one has the shorter ratio: an e30 m3 rack or a z3 1.9 rack?

[Wishno87]

Would an E30 M3 rack be a worthwhile upgrade?

[WUGcatsvt]

Great info. Just purchased a rack. The regular E30 rack is awful IMo. Cant wait to add this

[siazul]

Hey guys got a question for you, Theres a 98 3?? ti with some rear end damage at a local pick n pull, would that particular steering rack fit? I assume its just a regular e36 rack.

Thanks

[tttoon]

I would like to know as well, since I've dumped the PS on my car and have no intention of ever hooking it back up. I've had several people tell me the Z3 rack is a tad twitchy, but I'm assuming that those people are running them with power steering....

I have z3 and no ps. Its a little lively on the freeway but not annoying, and perfectly manageable without the ps. You can still do low speed maneuvers with one hand if you want. Steering feel and response with a poly guibo is amazing.

[Tismael711]

I would love to switch to an E36 rack. Anyone in Jersey that can do the job? PM with referrals, recommendations and comments.

[E30SPDFRK]

Bump, how are e46 M3 ratios? I have the chance to get one for a steal.

[E30SPDFRK]

I had a 96 m3 rack in my previous E30 and it wasnt the best fit, much like yours. On my current E30 I have a Z3 rack and it fits much better, ill see if I can snap a picture for you.

That would be great if you could please.