323i euro steering rack question (non-power assist)

[KMOSES]

The non-power assist steering racks come in two flavors, with external steering damper and without. RealOEM.com notes that; "WITH STEERING DAMPER only applies to air bag"

I have one of each, with the one having a steering damper installed on a recent restoration (1987 325). The other is about to be installed on my daily driver (that has major power steering leaks). Has anyone driven each and if so, could you feel the difference? If the steering rack with a damper is better I can still purchase the additional parts and convert it before installing it.

[raudonis]

I drive 323 from 1983, with de-powered factory PS rack soon to convert to fully manual e85 z4 rack. I assume no PS racks ever had this damper in e30. IMHO this damper is a useless feature and waste of space and weigh in the front of your car.

[LJ851]

The non power rack i had did not have a damper on it. I can't comment on how it felt because i sold without using it. It had an even slower ratio than the standard e30 power rack which is already way too slow.