M3 Steering Rack Swap

vasillalov · 05-19-2013, 11:09 AM

Does anyone know if the steering racks are interchangeable between the 335i and the M3?

I would LOVE to swap an M3 steering rack for a quicker steering for AutoX and track purposes.

M3 steering ratio 12.5:1
335i steering ratio 16:1

cleex024 · 05-19-2013, 12:11 PM

Don't see why it wouldn't be a direct bolt on.

e679 · 05-20-2013, 05:47 AM

I have been think about the same route. I wonder how much will it cost.

vasillalov · 05-20-2013, 07:43 AM

A brand new M3 rack is around $1700. Then you have labor and alignment.

A dig in the junkyard might be more viable.

ajsalida · 05-20-2013, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vasillalov

A brand new M3 rack is around $1700. Then you have labor and alignment.

A dig in the junkyard might be more viable.

Rebuilt rack on eBay for 579 + 200 core charge:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/330920984954

If it fits this would be a great mod.

ajsalida · 05-20-2013, 08:42 AM

Got me curious, the 335xi is even slower @ 18.2:1.

vasillalov · 05-20-2013, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajsalida

Rebuilt rack on eBay for 579 + 200 core charge:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/330920984954

If it fits this would be a great mod.

Nice find!

UsualSuspect · 07-23-2013, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vasillalov

Nice find!

Have you looked into this any further? I have a 135i and I've thought about it but it seems to be expensive. But if there's some with some machining experience, we need this made:
Super Steer

fl335i · 07-23-2013, 04:21 PM

That would be a super nice swap.... subscribing.

ajsalida · 07-23-2013, 05:08 PM

Well to update, Xi definitely will not swap, completely different mounting points and on opposite sides of the rack. However it may be possible to swap internals, but that gets expensive.

Non Xi I guess it is still possible.

07-23-2013, 05:38 PM

Isn't the M3 rack Servotronic meaning it changes based on comfort sport setting? Mabye from a base M3 without that stuff it will work.

ajsalida · 07-23-2013, 05:50 PM

Yeah def base M3 rack and non electric 335i is what is being considered.

vasillalov · 07-24-2013, 01:35 AM

Correct. I am not interested in servotronic crap. Just a base M3 rack for faster steering.

When did the servotronic get introduced? I think this was not available in the earlier years up to 2008, but I could be wrong.

Doyle · 07-24-2013, 09:09 AM

Something like this:

http://blog.perrinperformance.com/50/

would probably be cheaper/easier. Especially if you use it as a bump steer kit, and then get some extended ball joints for roll center adjustment.

Money.

UsualSuspect · 08-12-2013, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doyle

Something like this:

http://blog.perrinperformance.com/50/

would probably be cheaper/easier. Especially if you use it as a bump steer kit, and then get some extended ball joints for roll center adjustment.

Money.

That's exactly what I said in my post above. Some with a machine shop probably could make this happen.

vasillalov · 08-14-2013, 01:29 AM

That "Super Steerer" looks like total garbage. Those exposed metal bearings are nothing but trouble. They will be ruined in less than a month after which there will be clunks and lots of slop in the steering.

akotten · 08-14-2013, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vasillalov

That "Super Steerer" looks like total garbage. Those exposed metal bearings are nothing but trouble. They will be ruined in less than a month after which there will be clunks and lots of slop in the steering.

Uhhh....a quality spherical bearing should have no problem here. However, a rubber boot would be an easy addition to address this. The one downside, is that they don't show the additional steering input force required as a result of the decreased moment arm at the upright. Faster steering, yes, but also heavier. The xi steering is already pretty slow and heavy as it is. If you've ever run at a tight autox in an xi, you'll know what I'm referring to. I may run a few calculations and take a look into this. Perhaps I can develop something for you guys.

froop · 08-14-2013, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by akotten

Quote:

Originally Posted by vasillalov

That "Super Steerer" looks like total garbage. Those exposed metal bearings are nothing but trouble. They will be ruined in less than a month after which there will be clunks and lots of slop in the steering.

Uhhh....a quality spherical bearing should have no problem here. However, a rubber boot would be an easy addition to address this. The one downside, is that they don't show the additional steering input force required as a result of the decreased moment arm at the upright. Faster steering, yes, but also heavier. The xi steering is already pretty slow and heavy as it is. If you've ever run at a tight autox in an xi, you'll know what I'm referring to. I may run a few calculations and take a look into this. Perhaps I can develop something for you guys.

Pls pls pls!

keiran · 08-27-2013, 04:07 PM

The single biggest issue with the Perrin SuperSteer is that Heim joints are generally NOT street legal. The issue of course is that if you were in an accident and somehow the part could be implicated as the culprit then you'd be on your own for the cost.

This came out when they initially released these to the STI community and there was a massive uproar caused by it.

lafuerza · 02-19-2014, 12:02 PM

Old thread but has anyone done the swap? I need to replace a steering rack and looking at going E90 M3 vs the standard 335i rack. All part numbers seem to be the same even for 2008 models.

I already have all the M3 bits and Coilovers so might as well go M3 Steering Rack if its viable. Its actually the same price for a re-manufactured unit as the 335i rack.

crex · 03-07-2014, 01:16 PM

Yes several have done it and the steering effort is increased a little at low speeds but it bolts right up.

vasillalov · 03-16-2014, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crex

Yes several have done it and the steering effort is increased a little at low speeds but it bolts right up.

Awesome! I had the feeling that it is a direct bolt up.

05-19-2013, 11:09 AM	#1
vasillalov Mad Linux Guru On The Loose 1181 Rep 5,454 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Sedan, 2023 M3 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (5) Garage List 2023 BMW M3 [0.00] 2008 335i E90 [8.00]	M3 Steering Rack Swap Does anyone know if the steering racks are interchangeable between the 335i and the M3? I would LOVE to swap an M3 steering rack for a quicker steering for AutoX and track purposes. M3 steering ratio 12.5:1 335i steering ratio 16:1 __________________
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05-19-2013, 12:11 PM	#2
cleex024 Lieutenant Colonel 106 Rep 1,529 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 335i Coupe Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Woodbridge iTrader: (2)	Don't see why it wouldn't be a direct bolt on. __________________ Space Gray l 6MT l OSG LSD w/ VAC Race Diff Cover l Cobb e30 l Morr vs8.2 l UUC SSK w/ DSSR l VSRF Catless Dps l RPI Intercooler l CDV Removed l HID AE 8000k l ETS Catback l AST 5200 w/ Vorshlag Camber Plates l ER Dual Oil Coolers l Rear Camber and Toe Arms l K&N Drop In l Solid Tranny/Diff/Subframe Bushings l Bridgestone RE-11
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05-20-2013, 05:47 AM	#3
e679 Private First Class 9 Rep 117 Posts Drives: E93 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Hong Kong iTrader: (0)	I have been think about the same route. I wonder how much will it cost. __________________ E93 335i Alpine White, 19" Works, PSS, M3 arms, M3 bushings,M3 E93 FSB/E92 RSB, powerflex rear diff bush. AST 5100 with M3 rear camber arms. GC street plates.
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05-20-2013, 07:43 AM	#4
vasillalov Mad Linux Guru On The Loose 1181 Rep 5,454 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Sedan, 2023 M3 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (5) Garage List 2023 BMW M3 [0.00] 2008 335i E90 [8.00]	A brand new M3 rack is around $1700. Then you have labor and alignment. A dig in the junkyard might be more viable. __________________
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05-20-2013, 08:42 AM	#6
ajsalida Colonel 227 Rep 2,387 Posts Drives: 95 M3, 02 R1150GSA, 09 335xi Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: SW USA iTrader: (2)	Got me curious, the 335xi is even slower @ 18.2:1.
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07-23-2013, 04:21 PM	#9
fl335i Captain 159 Rep 942 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: FL iTrader: (2)	That would be a super nice swap.... subscribing. __________________ '07 335i Sedan, base pkg, 6spd Manual, Procede 3 V5 w/NLS, Macht Schnell Downpipes, 18" Staggered 313's w/Conti DWS's, OS Giken TCD LSD, VAC Street Diff Cover, Dinan Oil Cooler, Dinan Intercooler, Akebono Euro Pads, CDV Removed, Black BMW Grilles, Interior & Exterior white LED lighting, LUX Angel Eyes, Debadged, Blend V1 mount, Llumar ATR Tint.
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07-23-2013, 05:08 PM	#10
ajsalida Colonel 227 Rep 2,387 Posts Drives: 95 M3, 02 R1150GSA, 09 335xi Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: SW USA iTrader: (2)	Well to update, Xi definitely will not swap, completely different mounting points and on opposite sides of the rack. However it may be possible to swap internals, but that gets expensive. Non Xi I guess it is still possible.
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07-23-2013, 05:38 PM	#11
RemovedUser Guest 0 Rep n/a Posts Drives:	Isn't the M3 rack Servotronic meaning it changes based on comfort sport setting? Mabye from a base M3 without that stuff it will work.
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07-23-2013, 05:50 PM	#12
ajsalida Colonel 227 Rep 2,387 Posts Drives: 95 M3, 02 R1150GSA, 09 335xi Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: SW USA iTrader: (2)	Yeah def base M3 rack and non electric 335i is what is being considered.
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07-24-2013, 01:35 AM	#13
vasillalov Mad Linux Guru On The Loose 1181 Rep 5,454 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Sedan, 2023 M3 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (5) Garage List 2023 BMW M3 [0.00] 2008 335i E90 [8.00]	Correct. I am not interested in servotronic crap. Just a base M3 rack for faster steering. When did the servotronic get introduced? I think this was not available in the earlier years up to 2008, but I could be wrong. __________________
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07-24-2013, 09:09 AM	#14
Doyle Hellafunctional 37 Rep 426 Posts Drives: 335xi Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: N/A iTrader: (2)	Something like this: http://blog.perrinperformance.com/50/ would probably be cheaper/easier. Especially if you use it as a bump steer kit, and then get some extended ball joints for roll center adjustment. Money. __________________ Go: Cobb S2+, Big Tom FMIC, CP-E DP & DCI, Royal Muffler, AR OC Turn: TC Kline/Swift SA, Vorshlag Plates, UUC Front Bar, H&R M3 Rear Bar, VAC endlinks & spacers, Forgeline 18x9.5/NT05 265 Square Stop: Endless MX72, Stoptech Rotors/Lines, Motul RBF600
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08-14-2013, 01:29 AM	#16
vasillalov Mad Linux Guru On The Loose 1181 Rep 5,454 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Sedan, 2023 M3 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (5) Garage List 2023 BMW M3 [0.00] 2008 335i E90 [8.00]	That "Super Steerer" looks like total garbage. Those exposed metal bearings are nothing but trouble. They will be ruined in less than a month after which there will be clunks and lots of slop in the steering. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-27-2013, 04:07 PM	#19
keiran Private 30 Rep 67 Posts Drives: E30, E39, F80 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (0)	The single biggest issue with the Perrin SuperSteer is that Heim joints are generally NOT street legal. The issue of course is that if you were in an accident and somehow the part could be implicated as the culprit then you'd be on your own for the cost. This came out when they initially released these to the STI community and there was a massive uproar caused by it.
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02-19-2014, 12:02 PM	#20
lafuerza Private First Class 14 Rep 138 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4M Coupe Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: USA iTrader: (1)	Old thread but has anyone done the swap? I need to replace a steering rack and looking at going E90 M3 vs the standard 335i rack. All part numbers seem to be the same even for 2008 models. I already have all the M3 bits and Coilovers so might as well go M3 Steering Rack if its viable. Its actually the same price for a re-manufactured unit as the 335i rack.
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03-07-2014, 01:16 PM	#21
crex Captain 54 Rep 659 Posts Drives: bmw 135i, Jeep wrangler Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: NOVA iTrader: (1)	Yes several have done it and the steering effort is increased a little at low speeds but it bolts right up.
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