645Ci Steering Rack for e30?

[diegom6]

just wondering if the 645Ci steering rack would fit/work somehow into the e30 chasis. Of corse it will need some trim to make this fit, but my main concern if is possible in terms of size, wide, long, etc.
Also I think this setup comes with electronic assist? What i like it's the close ratio it has, almost like a f1 car!

Thanks
Diego

[Axxe]

just wondering if the 645Ci steering rack would fit/work somehow into the e30 chasis. Of corse it will need some trim to make this fit, but my main concern if is possible in terms of size, wide, long, etc.
Also I think this setup comes with electronic assist? What i like it's the close ratio it has, almost like a f1 car!

Thanks
Diego

That would be active steering. And I highly doubt it can be retrofitting into an E30 without a huge investement of time and money.

[diegom6]

That would be active steering. And I highly doubt it can be retrofitting into an E30 without a huge investement of time and money.

I didn't have a chance to look deep this system yet, just wondering. Ok, this rack does work with a pump and fluid right? I can ditch the electronic and make work it with pure fluid pressure alone then and get the benefit of the close ratio it has!

[Axxe]

From what I understand about the system, it actively changes the steering ratio through a gearset, effectively giving you a quick steering ratio at low speeds for quick manoevering, and a long ratio at high speeds where every small move gives that much change of direction of the car. You need to do a lot of research before you attempt to stick into an E30 successfully. The hardware side of it will likely be straightforward compared to the electronics of it.

[diegom6]

Well, I just drove it at low speeds and the ratio like I said was insane! Very short. Not sure how much will change at higher speeeds.

It could be stickied in one gear selection, for example in the large gear if isn't too long too and locked in there could work I think.

Gotta see if I can get this rack from this totalled 645Ci I have in my shopp.

[BimmerTom]

I would think an "off the shelf" rack would be easier to retrofit than the BMW one you speak of.

Find a manual rack that has the ratio you want and make that fit. The mounting points are pretty simple in the E30, so I think you should be able to modify it.

Tom

[IS]

With the dimensions of a 645 in mind, I'll go out on a limb and say it will not fit and is probably not worth the time and money to make it work. This isn't even taking into account the non mechanical aspects of making it work properly.

If none of the common steering rack swaps suit your needs, then BimmerTom's suggestion is one to consider.

[diegom6]

oK, LOOKS LIKE THE REASONABLE WAY IS TO STAY AWAY TO ATTEMPT this swapp.

Thanks guys

-Diego

[ptownTSI]

i've driven an active steering 545i and its an awesome experience, especially in the twisties. the steering compensates for speed as well. but did you look at all those hydraulic lines gearing. that would be a nightmare just to work on let alone retrofit on a 20 year old car.