E36 Rack

[Midweste30]

I bought a rack off a 1996 M3 and I plan on throwing it into my 1990 325i Airbag car with an s50 already in it. How big of a PITA will this be? I have done a little research and saw you have to cut the firewall for airbag cars. Anyone know anything about this. Guess what I'm really asking is how hard is this gonna be. I'm no expert but have enough general knowledge around the garage. Thanks

[ELVA164]

Most of the process isn't that labor-intensive if you have the ability to get the car off the ground and on a lift or jack stands. You only need to remove a little material from the area where the steering column passes through the firewall; there are pictures online of how much exactly. The one thing that could bring the process to a screeching halt is the splines of the steering column and pinion gear being corroded together. It took me the better part of a day to get mine free, and that was with penetrating oil and a slide hammer. Also, make sure you have the proper rack spacers. You should replace the power steering reservoir and the hosees as well if you have the extra money.

Also, I have no idea what the differences in clearance are between an M20 and an S50, so I can't comment on that.

[Midweste30]

Most of the process isn't that labor-intensive if you have the ability to get the car off the ground and on a lift or jack stands. You only need to remove a little material from the area where the steering column passes through the firewall; there are pictures online of how much exactly. The one thing that could bring the process to a screeching halt is the splines of the steering column and pinion gear being corroded together. It took me the better part of a day to get mine free, and that was with penetrating oil and a slide hammer. Also, make sure you have the proper rack spacers. You should replace the power steering reservoir and the hosees as well if you have the extra money.

Also, I have no idea what the differences in clearance are between an M20 and an S50, so I can't comment on that.

That's what I'm worried about just how much of a bitch it's going to be because of the 24V

[diesekte]

If you follow any of the guides you will be fine.I just did this on my m52 e30 with an e46 zhp rack and it was pretty straightforward.
The guides say to bend the tabs to get the rack out if you're not jacking uo the motor, and in all the pics ppl bent them a LOT. If you go this route, just bend the drivers side tab maybe 20 degrees max and you can wiggle/maneuver the rack out.
My OK/TX car had no issue at all getting the knuckle off the steering column or rack but wasn't super easy to get back on...took a few taps with a rubber mallet as well as gently spreading the knuckle with a screwdriver.
I can't comment on e36 rack install but the guides talk about moving the hoses around all crazy...bending them, looping them, etc etc. The e46 rack can use the e30 hoses almost as if they were meant to be there.
There aren't many steps, but there are certainly are a few places you can get hung up and realllly prolong your day