ZHP Yellow Tag Rack Questions

[SteelGreyM]

Debating tossing in a ZHP steering rack while I have easy access. I remember threads on m3f discussing the whole process but I don't remember it.

I know i'll have to code my mk60 dsc for it to work nicely but does anything else have to be coded before I can use it? Is it even possible to code the m3 dsc for the zhp rack or do I just code it for a CSL rack because it's closest?

[Tbonem3]

You don't HAVE to code it.

[heinzboehmer]

The MK60 can only be coded for the CSL/ZCP rack. However, I remember a thread where it was discovered that in this chassis, basically all typical rack swaps (ZHP, ZCP == CSL, Z3, etc) led to the same overall ratio, so coding the module makes all of them compatible.

Edit: more info on the rack rates here: https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/m...rmation-thread

[VaruzhM3]

I’ve had the ZHP rack in my car for the last 6,000+ miles without coding anything and it works perfectly. Slides are much easier to catch.

[SteelGreyM]

Thanks for the responses everybody. Seems pretty straightforward.

do steering racks typically have a wear life? I found a higher mileage zhp rack a stupid good deal (less than $100) but I’m not sure if it will feel worn or not. Is it worth sending it to rack doctor for $400?

I have only spoken to one person who got a refreshed rack for their m3 from rackdoctor and noticed no difference at all.

[rbg]

For under 100 I'd jump on it. Just check there are no obvious leaks or damage. If something goes wrong later on, you can always ship it to refurbish.

[old///MFanatic]

I’ve had the ZHP rack in my car for the last 6,000+ miles without coding anything and it works perfectly. Slides are much easier to catch.

Then you must not be turning very quick because your car is coded for a 15.5:1 M3 ratio rack. I absolutley had to code my CSL/ZCP rack or it would trigger the DSC on sharp turns. After coding it went away.

[mikeetastic]

Is it worth it to upgrade to zhp rack from CSL rack? Or which one is better?

[SteelGreyM]

Is it worth it to upgrade to zhp rack from CSL rack? Or which one is better?

Standard m3 rack: 15.4:1
CSL rack: 14.5:1
ZHP Rack: 13.7:1

You can see each one is slightly quicker. In your case, you probably wouldn’t notice too much but you’d notice something.

[old///MFanatic]

Is it worth it to upgrade to zhp rack from CSL rack? Or which one is better?

I measured them many years ago, they move the same.
Now the “yellow tag .712” been used by BMW in most E46s well before, and during the “zhp”. So it’s not exclusive or made special for the zhp.
CSL/ZCP is unique in valving and gearing for the CSL.
For this reason I would say the CSL is better. But they’re so similar when it comes down to it I would say the “yellow tag .712” is the best bargain.

[VaruzhM3]

Then you must not be turning very quick because your car is coded for a 15.5:1 M3 ratio rack. I absolutley had to code my CSL/ZCP rack or it would trigger the DSC on sharp turns. After coding it went away.

I never knew about this... I’ve never had my Traction light blink or turn on without me triggering it. I’ve gone to the track with it and all. How do you code this?

[old///MFanatic]

I never knew about this... I’ve never had my Traction light blink or turn on without me triggering it. I’ve gone to the track with it and all. How do you code this?

It’s one of the three settings you can program when you program for the M-Track Mode.
1) CSL brakes (brake bias)
2) CSL steering rack ratio
3) M-Track Mode

member TerraPhantm has a lot of info in threads