1991 325iC - Rack Conversion / PS Hose Question

[mikerob97]

I am going to be installing a Z3 rack in my E30 in a few weeks. I have the rack - and was planning to reuse the E30 PS hoses. However, some posts say you need to use the E36 high pressure hose (from pump to rack). Can anyone comment on which hoses to I should use for this conversion?

[Andy.B]

I re used the same hoses with my rack swap. I flipped the ends of the high pressure hose around, and bent the u-loop a little to make it fit properly.

[mikerob97]

when you say "flipped the ends" do you mean flipped the hose around so the end that used to be on the pump is now on the rack ?

[Andy.B]

when you say "flipped the ends" do you mean flipped the hose around so the end that used to be on the pump is now on the rack ?

Exactly.

[marcusw]

Exactly.

Would bending the high pressure hose make it more susceptible to breaking the hose or leaking? Is it justified to order a new set of e36 pressure hose as well as the low pressure and return hose?

Its finally time for me to replace my rack and I'm looking into replacing a z3 one.

[Andy.B]

If the line isn't rusty, then the sight bend required to take the stress of the hose itself isn't going to increase the risk of it breaking.

[17sd]

Does your car have airbag?
If so, did you need to trim the firewall?

[Mwishlist]

My car has an airbag and I did have to trim the firewall. I've seen that some people say you don't have too on and air bag car but I definitely did. It wasn't hard but it makes the rubber seal not fit so well. There is a DIY on the web about making a new metal piece to hold it in place.

I used all e36 hoses for my swap but I have an S52 in the car. I think the e36 low pressure hoses would be too short because the e36 reservoirs are mounted low. I would reuse the e30 low pressure lines or dremel the ends off your current hoses and make your own hoses for the low pressure. Either e30 or e36 will work for the high pressure but they are pricey. If your's is good, just use it.