Steering rack change

[m3f_aeronaut]

I had an inner tie rod I needed to change, so took the opportunity to replace all tie rods AND the steering rack. Changed from the 95 rack to a 2002/05 330i rack. Very happy with the change. The 95 rack measured ~40mm off center 1 turn, with 3.2 turns lock to lock. The 330i rack is 50mm off center 1 turn, linear, and 3 turns lock to lock. Much easier to control the back end during low speed fun.

[m3f_enderw88]

Thanks for actually posting the measurements on that. It looks like the 330 rack has more total travel (3*50=150, versus 3.2*40=128) is that causing any binding at full lock?

[m3f_aeronaut]

Nope, total travel is the same (I think), the lock to lock of the 95 rack is 3.2 turns, while the 330i is 3 turns. The 95 is non-linear; at lock it's 50mm for 1 full turn. So the 330i is 'only' quicker off-center, which is perfect. Nothing rubs or binds at lock with the 330i rack.


PS, got the 330i rack from rackdoctor for $165, plus core and $18 return shipping. Just may be the best mod so far. Makes the car much easier to control at low-mid speed.

[m3f_enderw88]

Nope, total travel is the same (I think), the lock to lock of the 95 rack is 3.2 turns, while the 330i is 3 turns. The 95 is non-linear; at lock it's 50mm for 1 full turn. So the 330i is 'only' quicker off-center, which is perfect.

Cool, thanks...

[m3f_englishtom1596q]

did you buy a used one? or reman? or oem? and any chance you'd share pricing?

[m3f_aeronaut]

did you buy a used one? or reman? or oem? and any chance you'd share pricing?

Updated original post. It was a rebuilt from rackdoctor.com.

[m3f_englishtom1596q]

cool thank you. always wanted to do the z3 rack but ive heard a few people going to e46 racks

[m3f_aeronaut]

For auto-x the Z3 rack might be the ticket, but for every day use, I'm not sure the Z3 rack wouldn't be a bit too much at normal and highway speeds. I'd love to drive a M3 with one to judge for sure. I certainly understand why variable speed variable resistance could be ideal.

[m3f_cscat87]

Did you use tie rods for an E36 or E46? Or are they the same? I've actually gotten a few racks for other cars from rack doctor, they are great. Direct swap, or have to modify anything? Does the car change direction with noticeably less input now?

[m3f_englishtom1596q]

yes definitely. my steering feel is already different than most since i found out this weekend the previous owner installed offset control arm bushings. I had to check after i test drove another m3 and was shocked at how light the steering was...anyway i digress. point is i think the z3 may be my best bet

[m3f_aeronaut]

Did you use tie rods for an E36 or E46? Or are they the same? I've actually gotten a few racks for other cars from rack doctor, they are great. Direct swap, or have to modify anything? Does the car change direction with noticeably less input now?

As far as mounting the 330i rack, it was a 1 for 1 swap. Everything bolted right up; mounting bolts, cooling coils, e36 M3 tie rod outers. The rackdoctor reman came with inner ball joints. I used lemforder outers (for the e36 M3) that I purchased from Pelican ( bought full tie-rods, and just screwed the outers onto the inners that came with rackdoctor). Measured everything 20 times, and all is good. I *think* I measured the width of the 330i steering rack rod at maybe 4-5mm longer; probably manufacturing tolerance.


Getting the front end aligned this week. That'll be the final word if this all 'fits'. But it was a simple replace as far as I can tell so far.


As far as changing direction, NOTICEBLY quicker response above parking lot speeds. But...I have a 95 which has the slowest off-center ratio of any e36/46 ever.

[m3f_stupenal]

any problems with rackdoctor for returning a core that's different than the one you ordered?


i.e. buy 330i rack, return 95 m3 rack (or 97 m3 rack)

[m3f_aeronaut]

any problems with rackdoctor for returning a core that's different than the one you ordered?



i.e. buy 330i rack, return 95 m3 rack (or 97 m3 rack)

Good question, I'm assuming NO problem in this case. Why do I think that? Because on his web site, for some racks he explicitly states that the return must be the same as the reman, e.g. for Z3 racks. But for the E36 M3 rack, no such statement appears. I didn't even think to call and ask before I bought it. I'll know in a week or so, mine is on it's way back.

[m3f_cscat87]

As far as mounting the 330i rack, it was a 1 for 1 swap. Everything bolted right up; mounting bolts, cooling coils, e36 M3 tie rod outers. The rackdoctor reman came with inner ball joints. I used lemforder outers (for the e36 M3) that I purchased from Pelican ( bought full tie-rods, and just screwed the outers onto the inners that came with rackdoctor). Measured everything 20 times, and all is good. I *think* I measured the width of the 330i steering rack rod at maybe 4-5mm longer; probably manufacturing tolerance.


Getting the front end aligned this week. That'll be the final word if this all 'fits'. But it was a simple replace as far as I can tell so far.


As far as changing direction, NOTICEABLY quicker response above parking lot speeds. But...I have a 95 which has the slowest off-center ratio of any e36/46 ever.

Could you have simply swapped over the complete inner/outer tie rods from the E36 to make it a 'no alignment necessary' upgrade? I ask because I just got new tie rods and an alignment done! If its 100% required, then I'll wait to do this when I do RTABs.

[m3f_cracky]

that 50mm/rev has been on the forums for a while already...


Ive had mine installed for quite some time. straight swap. Even has the second hole for the trombone piece.


Use your full e36m tie rods. works fine just without locking plates(which is how the newer cars come stock anyways).