New steering rack

[t44tq]

I tried searching, did not find anything….

What is a recommended source for a steering rack today? I would prefer to get the Competition rack, but quality is the first priority.

My body shop told me that BMW told them that no steering racks are available. The one in my car was damaged as a result of an accident that snapped the tie rod and he said you need to replace the rack in that type of incident, as well as the control arm.

I’m not surprised, but a bit disappointed that I cannot get a new one, at any cost.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[WestBankM4]

I bought a 712 rack off of EBay, the seller was in Los Angeles so I figured if it's a wrecking yard in the area at least it's going to be dry. I kind of regret ripping this 712 apart for a rebuild because it was actually in really good shape, the exterior screamed it but me being me I decided to tear it down and rebuild. Upon inspecting, it was clean minus old grease, grit and grime.

Long story short, check EBay and ensure the photos are the photos of the item you are receiving. My rack cost me ~$160.

[t44tq]

I bought a 712 rack off of EBay, the seller was in Los Angeles so I figured if it's a wrecking yard in the area at least it's going to be dry. I kind of regret ripping this 712 apart for a rebuild because it was actually in really good shape, the exterior screamed it but me being me I decided to tear it down and rebuild. Upon inspecting, it was clean minus old grease, grit and grime.

Long story short, check EBay and ensure the photos are the photos of the item you are receiving. My rack cost me ~$160.

That isn’t an option for me- the shop needs to source the rack, and they’re not going to buy a used rack from eBay. Ideally, I’d like to find NOS, but if a rack from a Z4M or another car will work, I’ll do that, too.

Will an E9x rack work?

[PSUEng]

There are no new racks; only rebuilds and what many folks here have done--source something (i.e., eBay) and use a rebuilder if/as required to refurb the unit and install it. Your shop isn't going to find a new one, so what do they think they will do...total your car? That's life with this car nowadays--parts are NLA or close to it and therefore, repairing / refurbing used stuff is going to become more commonplace to keep these things on the road. With all due respect, if you aren't able to work with that, you may want to get another car. It's only getting worse.

E9X rack won't work btw.

[t44tq]

There are no new racks; only rebuilds and what many folks here have done--source something (i.e., eBay) and use a rebuilder if/as required to refurb the unit and install it. Your shop isn't going to find a new one, so what do they think they will do...total your car? That's life with this car nowadays--parts are NLA or close to it and therefore, repairing / refurbing used stuff is going to become more commonplace to keep these things on the road. With all due respect, if you aren't able to work with that, you may want to get another car. It's only getting worse.

E9X rack won't work btw.

Then who is a trusted rebuilder?

[oceansize]

Then who is a trusted rebuilder?

https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/classifieds/member-services-rentals-products/256759-e46-steering-rack-rebuild-service-yellow-tag-blue-tag-green-tag

[Slideways]

There are no new racks; only rebuilds and what many folks here have done--source something (i.e., eBay) and use a rebuilder if/as required to refurb the unit and install it. Your shop isn't going to find a new one, so what do they think they will do...total your car? That's life with this car nowadays--parts are NLA or close to it and therefore, repairing / refurbing used stuff is going to become more commonplace to keep these things on the road. With all due respect, if you aren't able to work with that, you may want to get another car. It's only getting worse.

E9X rack won't work btw.

Buy a good condition green tag rack as a spare. They don't cost much.

BMW made more than 3.5M E46s and a good chunk are ZHPs and M3s.

And there is also the aftermarket black tag rack that can be bought brand new.

[WestBankM4]

Let's wait for the experts to chime in, I don't think they're available anymore unless you're buying "refurbished" which is going to be your best bet. Careful of the company doing the rebuild though, I've heard some horror stories.

Sent from my Pixel 9 Pro XL using Tapatalk

[bigjae46]

That isn’t an option for me- the shop needs to source the rack, and they’re not going to buy a used rack from eBay. Ideally, I’d like to find NOS, but if a rack from a Z4M or another car will work, I’ll do that, too.

Will an E9x rack work?

Bullshit. Shops use used parts all of the time. I'm sure LKQ stops there a couple of times a week. Insurance claims will pay out for used parts any time they can when the car is out of warranty.

[t44tq]

https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/c...-tag-green-tag

Thank you! Il'll look into this option.

[t44tq]

Bullshit. Shops use used parts all of the time. I'm sure LKQ stops there a couple of times a week. Insurance claims will pay out for used parts any time they can when the car is out of warranty.

I'm asking for sources for a good rebuilt rack, because if I have to replace the rack, I'd rather it be properly rebuilt and hopefully less problematic than a used rack of unknown mileage and condition. I have no idea how you can really evaluate a used steering rack without taking it apart anyway.

[bigjae46]

I'm asking for sources for a good rebuilt rack, because if I have to replace the rack, I'd rather it be properly rebuilt and hopefully less problematic than a used rack of unknown mileage and condition. I have no idea how you can really evaluate a used steering rack without taking it apart anyway.

That's not what I'm talking about. Are you saying the shop has to buy the rack? You can't buy the rebuilt rack and give it to the shop?

[t44tq]

That's not what I'm talking about. Are you saying the shop has to buy the rack? You can't buy the rebuilt rack and give it to the shop?

Yes, the shop has to buy the rack.

[elbert]

If you want a new, not rebuilt rack, there is this option:

https://www.bimmerworld.com/Steering-Rack-New-AAE-E46-3310N.html

I have no idea if it's quality or not, but AAE is part of the CRP group, so there's a reasonable chance it would be OK.
I was actually about to get one myself when I needed one, but ended up getting a rack from davidinnyc instead.

[jayjaya29]

New AAE racks are known good units in the E36 M3 world. Just please do not follow their directions to use CHF in them, use ATF.