About 6 months ago while on track the reducer for the high pressure line on the steering pump loosened up and I managed to drain my power steering reservoir. The car lost power steering so I came in, diagnosed and fixed the problem. Added fresh ATF and ran the rest of the weekend no problem. The car has been fine since then. This past weekend the pump began whining at higher RPM and occasionally I will get harder than usually steering in the paddock (ie low rpm). The pump is on its way out. In researching replacements I have found some info that indicates the M54 power steering pump is essentially the same unit but missing a few brackets which can be swapped over from my original. The M54 pump is quite a bit cheaper so I'm hoping this is possible. Has anyone used the power steering pump form an M54 successfully on the S54?
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realizing this was posted in the wrong section. Mods kindly move this? -
They are not cross compatible. This was addressed on e46fanatics years ago. It would be nice to but you'll have to pay M tax this go round.This is my Unbuild Journal and why we need an oil thread
https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/m...nbuild-journal
"Do it right once or do it twice"Comment
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Several racers I know have gone to an electric pump from a European-Only Mercedes. It's plug and play. I hope to drive my friend's M3 equipped so at Road America later this year to determine if I'm going the same route. Drops a bit of weight from the car and takes away the stock pump drag on the engine.
FeffComment
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Plug and play?Originally posted by Feffman View PostSeveral racers I know have gone to an electric pump from a European-Only Mercedes. It's plug and play. I hope to drive my friend's M3 equipped so at Road America later this year to determine if I'm going the same route. Drops a bit of weight from the car and takes away the stock pump drag on the engine.
Feff'09 HP2S, '12 R12GSA, '00 Black 323iT, '02 Alpine 325iT (Track Wagon), '02 Alpine 330iT
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Email to George@HillPerformance.comComment
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interesting. this thread seems to confirm this is possible? I suppose my first step should be to pull the original so I can lay eyes on it.Comment
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On the electric pump - I’ve seen this on track cars, but not street. I’d imagine the electrical load is a non trivial tax on the alternator/battery over time. On the street that part would concern me. Would love to be proven otherwise!Comment
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It's common swap here in Germany. I plan on doing this for my S54 swapped car e36.Originally posted by tlow98 View Post
I don't see any issues with it on electrical load. Its only activated when the car is started.Comment
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nice! Is there a common setup that you find works best? Any threads or videos with details would be helpful if you have them.Originally posted by ZiMMie View Post
I’ve seen two setups - one from Mercedes and the other from the Toyota MR2.
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I do not know what the MR2 setup is like.
I have research intensively on the Mercedes setup.
it seems like a very simple system as it's an all in one system that make it very easy to mount and wire.
One caveat tho, the Mercedes w168 pumps at 71-75bars whiles the original pump is at 110bar @ idle. people with this setup often say that it's like driving a car with under pullies. The weight/feel is very similar to an E90.
​​​​​Here is what the pump looks like.
*edit* i do not know of any thread or videos. It is a very simple system as it need pressure hose and return, relay for power/ground and alternators *on*. Bracket to hold the unit should be very simple as well to.fabricate.
You will then remove the hydraulic pump and run a shorter belt.
​​​​​ ​​​Attached FilesLast edited by ZiMMie; 06-27-2022, 02:35 PM.Comment
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This is fantastic. Much appreciate the knowledge!Comment
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What about them is incompatible? In that m3cutters thread the OP says it runs no problem.Originally posted by Arith2 View PostComment
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Ill update this thread once I buy and test this out. based on a lot of what I have read this should work.Originally posted by Thoglan View PostComment
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M54 pump bolted in fine. no issues.Attached FilesComment
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