Black & Tan 332iT

[Bry5on]

I'm wondering if there has there been feedback that these solid couplings make any noticeable difference to steering feel. Cool idea and neat little machining project with the sphericals though

Pretty much every BMW since the e46 is solid, even the e39 was solid in the same generation. NVH isn’t bad in those cars so I’m assuming it shouldn’t translate up the wheel. I’ll be sure to notice though, as Heinz says. And I’m not afraid to go back to stock if something sucks.

heinzboehmer (& Thoglan) less rear toe in really helps with the numb on center feel. Since you’ve got sphericals back there, you should run CSL specs or similar. Way different settings.

[Thoglan]

I'm wondering if there has there been feedback that these solid couplings make any noticeable difference to steering feel. Cool idea and neat little machining project with the sphericals though

Pretty much agree with Heinz above. I run CMP's coupler since I am RHD. Deadspot in the centre is still there (I think that is just a function of the geometry and design of the steering on these cars tbh) but the feel through the steering is improved but it's not earth shattering.

[heinzboehmer]

I'm wondering if there has there been feedback that these solid couplings make any noticeable difference to steering feel. Cool idea and neat little machining project with the sphericals though

I had one on my car for a bit (didn't give it too much thought then, fortunately rack seems fine), but have since replaced with the regular rubber one. Did make the steering feel more direct, but also made it much more twitchy. Did not eliminate all of the on center deadness that the M3 racks have.

[timmo]

I'm wondering if there has there been feedback that these solid couplings make any noticeable difference to steering feel. Cool idea and neat little machining project with the sphericals though

[heinzboehmer]

Interesting in hearing your thoughts about that steering coupler. Especially considering how sensitive you are to NVH

Maybe you could start with one of the off the shelf ones and drill it out to accommodate the spherical bearings. Would save you a bit of work. Most of them have reliefs cut out though, so not sure if you'd have enough material to work with.

[Bry5on]

I thought this was a 'no no' with LHD cars since the rubber guibo compensates for misalignment while RHD cars have a UJ. Solid steering couplers on LHD cars can damage or wear the steering rack IIRC. That's why places like CMP only sell a solid coupler for RHD. I'm sure there was a discussion about it a while ago but I could be misremembering.

It’s hard to tell from the image but there are four spherical bearings, $12/ea in that design above. They provide the same amount of articulation as a factory setup good callout though, you’re absolutely right that a solid adapter is a no no

[Thoglan]

Spent a few minutes last night to design a solid/spherical bearing replacement for the steering guibo, another mill/lathe project once I free up the time

I thought this was a 'no no' with LHD cars since the rubber guibo compensates for misalignment while RHD cars have a UJ. Solid steering couplers on LHD cars can damage or wear the steering rack IIRC. That's why places like CMP only sell a solid coupler for RHD. I'm sure there was a discussion about it a while ago but I could be misremembering.

[Bry5on]

Spent a few minutes last night to design a solid/spherical bearing replacement for the steering guibo, another mill/lathe project once I free up the time

[Bry5on]

Still planning on swapping in the M3 floor and exhaust? Don't know too much about these hitches, but will the wagon version still fit with that muffler on?

Word on the street is that it should still fit. For now I’m going to keep the standard twin pipes. With the vincebar and v-brace installations looming, I’ve got plenty of work cut out for myself on the back end already.

[heinzboehmer]

Still planning on swapping in the M3 floor and exhaust? Don't know too much about these hitches, but will the wagon version still fit with that muffler on?

[Bry5on]

Careful, the PNs are different between sedan/coupe and wagon. Also don't forget the backing plate that goes in the trunk and sandwiches the rails as well, but that is something you could easily get waterjet and bent with sendcutsend

Good call. For the record:

[timmo]

Careful, the PNs are different between sedan/coupe and wagon. Also don't forget the backing plate that goes in the trunk and sandwiches the rails as well, but that is something you could easily get waterjet and bent with sendcutsend

[Bry5on]

Do you know the model/part# of that Westfalia hitch? I want one for my 2001 LSB.

Westfalia part number 303157600002 - there are a few on eBay that are missing parts, particularly the attachments that go into the crash rails as a heads up!

[Gt4]

No kidding on the recovery, I believe you there!

I’m currently looking into the aluminum version of the Westfalia hitch, as it’s lighter and also has a bolt pattern for replacing the ball adapter with a hitch mount. I’d expect to drop another 40lb, all from above the roof, after accounting for the added hitch weight. Thanks Gt4 !

Do you know the model/part# of that Westfalia hitch? I want one for my 2001 LSB.

[timmo]

No kidding on the recovery, I believe you there!

I'm currently looking into the aluminum version of the Westfalia hitch, as it's lighter and also has a bolt pattern for replacing the ball adapter with a hitch mount. I'd expect to drop another 40lb, all from above the roof, after accounting for the added hitch weight. Thanks Gt4 !

I'd recommend looking on eBay.de, that's where I got my OEM westfalia hitch. I didn't know you could get a hitch mount for it though - I ended up getting a Thule ball-mount bike rack that clamps around the ball and nothing touches the paint, just the way I like it!