M3 Evo steering rack

[ermi]

I´m converting Rhd M3 e36 to Lhd. So I need to replace streering rack. I have heard that Z3 rack is quicker from lock-to-lock. Is this true and does it fit bolt-on to my car? Are all Z3 useing the same rack or M cars have even quicker? How many turns (lock-to-lock) have they both?

Also, if someone is interested, then I have old steering rack for sale.

[E30M3SE]

M3's and ZM3 96 on had 3.2 turn LTL, all non m Z3's share the same rack at 2.7 turns LTL, all mounting points etc are the same I believe as Z3's have E36 front ends, so should be no issues swapping into a E36.

[Crackie]

ermi said:

I´m converting Rhd M3 e36 to Lhd. So I need to replace streering rack. I have heard that Z3 rack is quicker from lock-to-lock. Is this true and does it fit bolt-on to my car? Are all Z3 useing the same rack or M cars have even quicker? How many turns (lock-to-lock) have they both?

M3 3.2 EVO rack - 45.5 mm/rev - Same ratio as non M E36s.

E46 Compact rack / E46 Sport rack - 50 mm/rev - 10% quicker than E36 EVO.

Z3 rack (from 4 cylinder models) - 53.5 mm/rev - The quickest E36 type rack. 17.6% quicker than EVO.

Edited by Crackie on Tuesday 20th September 15:01

[ermi]

Thank you both. Now have to find suitable rack.

[Y282]

ermi said:

Thank you both. Now have to find suitable rack.

How about that lady off mad men?

[Crackie]

ermi said:

Thank you both. Now have to find suitable rack.

Hi Ermi, Assuming you're going to fit a second hand rack, try to find out about its history if you can; there is little point fitting a leggy 150K mile old rack or one from a car that had a front end accident. I changed the tired ( 92K mile ) rack in my EVO to an 8000 mile old rack from a flood damaged E46 325ti and fitted new track rod ends too. It made a huge improvement and helped sort what I think is the EVO's weakest area. Rack part number I used was 32136755068 and is a straight swap. http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=AT32...

Fitting a front X-brace from an E36 convertible has big benefits too; the front end on your EVO will feel SO much better .

Edited by Crackie on Wednesday 21st September 15:55

[ermi]

I have my eyes set on refurbished Z3 rack in Germany. Will be keeping my eyes on Xbrace but whene everything else is sorted.

[R1 Fury]

I recently changed the rack on my Z3M for the standard Z3 rack. Standard Z3M \ M3 Evo rack is 3.2 turns lock to lock, standard Z3 (all other models) is 2.7 ratio.

My experience with the rack swap is that it's a slight improvement, not a major difference. It is definitely noticeable, with the response to small steering inputs sharpened up, but for the work involved and for road use, I wouldn't do it again.