e46 rack swap

[Heyrr]

I've looked at the mega-thread for e36 steering rack swaps and like any inexperienced swapper I have questions.

I just ordered an e46 rack. Based off of another thread, it says all I'm going to need otherwise is some spacers, hex nuts, crush washers, and steering guibo (http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=115686)

But on the r3v thread it has many more parts (which is nice to see for assurance) but I don't know if this is all, or too much of what I need. All I can't find on Pelican parts is the low pressure power steering hoses, "7/16 Bolt 2 Inches Long" and one of the spacers.



"Item - BMW Part Number - Qty - Price

7/16 Bolt 2 Inches Long - - xxxxxxxxxxxx - - - - -x2 - - -$???
Bolt M10x50 - - - - - - - - - 26111226737 - - - - x2 - - -$2.70
Self Locking Nuts - - - - - - 07129964672 - - - - x2 - - -$0.60
Copper Seals 14x20 - - - - -32411093596 - - - - -x4 - - -$0.68
Copper Seals 16x22 - - - - -32411093597 - - - - -x4 - - -$1.04
Self Locking Nuts - - - - - - 07129922716 - - - - -x4 - - $1.20
Power Steering Res. - - - - -32411097164 - - - - x1 - - -$19.50
High Pres. PS Hose - - - - - 32411141953 - - - - -x1 - - -$74.00
Spacer - - - - - - - - - - - -72118119268 - - - - -x1 - - -$2.05
Spacer - - - - - - - - - - - -72111847480 - - - - -x2 - - -$1.92
Nut - - - - - - - - - - - - - -72111977925 - - - - -x2 - - -$1.10
LP PS Return Hoses - - - - - xxxxxxxxxxx - - - - - x2 - - -$14.50
Bottle of ATF - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x1 - - -$2.50"



All in all, what else that you know would I need, and do you have any advice?

Thank you.

[acolella76]

All you NEED is spacers (or just stack some washers like i did) and bolts to shorten the knuckle and spacers (or washers) for the steering rack mounts. Those 2 7/16 x 2" bolts are for shortening the steering rack, doubt you'll find them on Pelican so Home Depot/Lowes is your best bet. Same for the nuts/washers. It would be a good idea to replace the reservoir and the low pressure hoses since that stuff is cheap. You can reuse the high pressure line but if it is in your budget, replace it anyway.

The E46 rack is a great upgrade. But be warned, because once you go E46 rack you never go back.

[mulletman]

I've read the information regarding the different E36 racks and the Z3 rack... but I haven't been able to find the specifics of the E46 racks.

Are there variations in the E46 racks? Linear or progressive? Steering ratio? Lock-to-lock turns?

Basically, I'm planning on a Z3 rack swap... any reason an E46 rack would be better or worse?

[Heyrr]

Your cat signature makes you convincing.

The main thing that confused me was matching pieces from different generations, using e36 tie rod ends, which ps lines to use, and if all those parts listed in that sticky on the e36 swap thread need to be changed since I got an e46.

I've read the information regarding the different E36 racks and the Z3 rack... but I haven't been able to find the specifics of the E46 racks.

Are there variations in the E46 racks? Linear or progressive? Steering ratio? Lock-to-lock turns?

Basically, I'm planning on a Z3 rack swap... any reason an E46 rack would be better or worse?

From what I read on the link I posted up top is that the e46 is a good median between the e36 and z3 for ratios/lock to lock, and that some people have trouble with the z3's on the interstate.

info:
"Car-----------mm/ per. turn--------BMW Part #
E30------------36.5 mm------------32 13 1 092 335
E30 M3---------38 mm--------------32 13 2 225 556
E36 M3 '95------39 mm--------------32 13 2 227 191
E36-------------45.5 mm------------32 13 1 096 280
E36 M3 96+------45.5 mm-----------32 13 1 096 280
E36 Z3 M---------45.5 mm-----------32 13 1 096 280
E46 Std-----------50 mm------------32 13 6 755 065
E85 Z4 M----------51 mm------------32 13 7 836 844
E36 Z3 non-M------53.5 mm----------32 13 1 095 575"

And another page on it from a rival forum:

http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=115401