Z3 steering rack question

[Hoffbrohaus]

I found a Z3 rack locally for $125 it's off a 2000 2.8L Z3. I read in some threads that all Z3 racks are the same.
What concern's me is this:

According to RealOEM, all Z3 non-M racks are identical (http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partxref.do?part=32131095575). However, it has been reported first-hand that more than one 1.9 rack has been tried out to have been 3.2 turns lock-to-lock, so try before you buy as RealOEM is not perfect.

How do I "try before I buy" from a junkyard? can I turn it with a wrench or something and count the turns?

[Todd Black 88]

Yes

[Hoffbrohaus]

Yes

Ok any more details? Like should I use a set of vice grips? do you know the specific mm wrench? should I use a socket? Just want to bring everything I need to the yard so I only make 1 trip.

Thanks

[davesmystery]

Vice grips work fine, you'll be turning the spline up top so just be careful not to mess up any of the grooves.

[e304me]

Don't use vice grips you will fuck up the splines. Just turn it by hand. Bring a sharpie to mark it so you can count the turns. Also beware fluid might squirt out.

[Hoffbrohaus]

Don't use vice grips you will fuck up the splines. Just turn it by hand. Bring a sharpie to mark it so you can count the turns. Also beware fluid might squirt out.

Thanks, I found a place in Phoenix that has rebuilt racks in stock for $200 plus a core of $150. http://www.dicksdriveshaftphoenix.com/ I will probably just do that. Just deciding if $350's worth it since they won't take my E30 rack as a core. The junkyard one from a 2000 Z3 is $125.

[e304me]

rebuilt is not the same as re-manufactured. Rebuilt usually just means they replaced the seals

[Hoffbrohaus]

rebuilt is not the same as re-manufactured. Rebuilt usually just means they replaced the seals

Thanks, so do you think I should get the junkyard one for $125 and do my own seals? I read the maval rebuilt units are not always the best.

[MoparJ]

I bought mine at work through LKQ. When I received it, I put an old steering wheel directly on the rack to test the ratio. I can't remember if it was an e30 or e36 wheel, but it slipped right on the rack splines.