325is steering rack

[peterb]

There have been a few posts on the differences between the 325i and the 325is but no mentioning of the steering. I have a 1990 325is and been trying to buy a steering rack for it. The original is not available from BM and it would be very expensive anyway. The question I have is the steering rack with the tie rods the same on these models? I can get hold of a 325i rack in excellent condition but not sure if it will fit. Same year but mine has airbags.

[bluptgm32]

I think airbags throws in a monkey wrench.

RealOEM.com is your friend.

When ordering parts, use the last seven characters of the VIN in realOEM.com and lift part numbers from the parts diagrams.

The E30 is in the “Classic” catalog.

Do not rely on vendor websites for determining the part requirements.

[82eye]

steering racks remain the same from end of 86 up. the issue with airbags comes into play if you are swapping in a shorter rack from z3, e36, e46 etc.

[peterb]

So even though mine has airbags can I still order up a steering rack and tie rods online that is listed as 1990 325i E30?

[82eye]

So even though mine has airbags can I still order up a steering rack and tie rods online that is listed as 1990 325i E30?

check the part numbers listed in realoem between your car and the one you are ordering.

[peterb]

Ok thanks for the messages. It seems that the oil pipes were leaking from the fluid reservoir to the rack so I just ordered those with the the clamps. I also ordered the tie rods, the connecting rods or whatever they are called and the rubber boots. They are available from BM and they were definitely worn. There is a slight play in the steering but otherwise it's good nonetheless..Hope once the mechanic installs those and aligns the wheels the play will be gone or reduced.. Otherwise I will have to get a new rack I suppose. Not easy as there are so many available, a lot from Germany as well with prices ranging from 300 to 900 dollars. Hard to choose.

[82eye]

Ok thanks for the messages. It seems that the oil pipes were leaking from the fluid reservoir to the rack so I just ordered those with the the clamps. I also ordered the tie rods, the connecting rods or whatever they are called and the rubber boots. They are available from BM and they were definitely worn. There is a slight play in the steering but otherwise it's good nonetheless..Hope once the mechanic installs those and aligns the wheels the play will be gone or reduced.. Otherwise I will have to get a new rack I suppose. Not easy as there are so many available, a lot from Germany as well with prices ranging from 300 to 900 dollars. Hard to choose.

don't buy a new one unless you go to a shorter rack and make the mods for it. check around local, there are piles of e30's in BC, someone has got to have a decent rack left over after upgrading. if you get absolutely desperate i've got one here in good condition i'd let go for cheap. questionable if the shipping is worth it. any e30 rack from mid 86 up should work.

i went to a z3 clone rack from aae when they were still building them to the 2.7 ltl standard.