I just put in a Z3 rack in my 1998 and it is amazing! The steering is amazing! 100% recommend it is not too fast for me at all
I have a yellow tag in my car and I love it
Untapped market - BMW E39 530i - can find decent examples 3k or less.
Reliable 3.0L inline 6, 5spd ZF gearbox, all aluminum suspension components, steering rack with a ton of angle stock, factory power steering cooler.
So the ZF steering rack finally got through customs and arrived safe and sound - thanks UPS. The rack is originally from a VR6 Passat so in theory should be up to the task. Got it installed and hooked up and so far no leaks. Immediately I noticed the pump is a lot quieter connected to this rack than it was when connected to the TRW rack which makes me think the TRW rack couldn't handle the pressure coming from the pump? Or maybe there was just something wrong with it internally. So far no leaks from the ZF rack so fingers crossed it'll hold up well when I get it back on the ground and go for a test drive.
I can confirm, I had to change the rack on my 2001.5 Passat because the steering wheel was loose and they are in fact interchangeable.
You have to trim a good 2 inches out of your firewall depending on where your rack is mounted. I’ve found that all racks are not perfectly the same and some require more trimming. I used a bur bit and die grinder and got it done in a few minutes. I also made my own grommet plate from Abs plastic. The z3 rack is by far the best thing I’ve done to the e30.
In terms of performance, bushings have already been covered, but I haven’t see a Z3 steering rack been mentioned yet. It basically makes the steering snappier and the car feels more go-kart-y.
I had to replace my ZF steering rack. Prior to replacement the feel was prefect. Only thing is it is remarkably easier now, like way too easy. It feels like one of those early 90's vans where the power steering is overly assisted and has no feel.
the factory rack is one of the few things i think bmw screwed up on these lovely cars.
944 were notorious for leaky steering racks. We replaced many ZF steering racks in 944s back in the day. Usually when they went south, they would leave a sizeable puddle of ATF, underneath the car. Sometimes you need to pull the rack boots back, and the fluid would pour out.
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