E90 m3 steering rack swap impressions

porsche959 · 08-29-2019, 04:03 PM

Installed m3 rack. Took 4-5 hrs. Hardest part was getting the steering spindle removed/reattached.

First impressions:

*I am on the fence on whether this was worth the work or not. I did this in a public parking garage on jacks, and my entire body is fcking sore, one day later. It’s a noticeable mod but I am not blown away by it. That said, I’m happy I did it...but in hindsight I am 50/50 on if I would do it again. My view may change once I hit the twisties in upstate NY. I’ve only driven about 50 miles total around nyc and NJ. For reference, the only other suspension mod I’ve done (besides full oem non sport suspension refresh) is an e93 m3 front sway + bushings - which I highly recommend.

*steering effort requires about 50% more strength versus stock, at stand still (see vid). At speed it’s about 30% harder. YMMV tho as my stock rack was fairly stiff.

*overall driving feel comes off as stiffer. Could be new tie rods (stock 325 inner and outer tie rods) or new alignment. I feel more bumps on the road.

*Steering rack cost $380 used, I installed myself over 4-5 hours. Alignment was free (Firestone lifetime) and definitely needed ASAP. Not safe to drive without alignment.

*Make sure to use a full L of power steering fluid. It will screech like death when even 10% low on fluid.

*lock to lock steering wheel movement has been reduced. Went from about 1.5 left and right rotation to about 1.25z

tlow98 · 08-29-2019, 05:06 PM

damn! crazy spot to change a rack. where on earth did you find a place that was willing to let you dump all that on their concrete? olololol

and thanks for the review

porsche959 · 08-29-2019, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlow98

damn! crazy spot to change a rack. where on earth did you find a place that was willing to let you dump all that on their concrete? olololol

and thanks for the review

I use bio degradable, organic, non GMO power steering fluid so it’s ok. Concrete conditioner.

tlow98 · 09-02-2019, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by porsche959

I use bio degradable, organic, non GMO power steering fluid so it’s ok. Concrete conditioner.

Push those wheels under your car next time just in case. would be terrible to perish by being crushed by your car.

mweisdorfer · 09-02-2019, 02:21 PM

I probably wouldn't consider this upgrade unless my rack went bad. I'm basing this on the fact that a rack is expensive to begin with and your post.

Fritzer · 09-02-2019, 05:52 PM

Such an interesting place to do that! Good job, though!

I have considered doing this, probably if my stock rack went to shit. However, the E90 stock steering rack is already quite good for what it is. I think these swaps like putting the Z3 rack in E30/E34/E36 etc is more popular just because there is such a larger difference from stock, in that case.

Regardless, really interesting! Seems like you got a good deal on it too. I have seen E9x M3 steering racks go for much more!

Fritzer · 09-02-2019, 05:56 PM

Also, cool choice of steering wheel. I was just thinking about getting a new one myself. I found a guy in Ukraine who refurbishes the sport steering wheels with the flat bottom, that accept the M-Sport airbag. They seem affordable, however I would like something a bit more different. Aftermarket, but OEM+ looking. Are you nervous not having a steering wheel airbag? I assume you don't have a harness or anything.

porsche959 · 09-02-2019, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fritzer

Also, cool choice of steering wheel. I was just thinking about getting a new one myself. I found a guy in Ukraine who refurbishes the sport steering wheels with the flat bottom, that accept the M-Sport airbag. They seem affordable, however I would like something a bit more different. Aftermarket, but OEM+ looking. Are you nervous not having a steering wheel airbag? I assume you don't have a harness or anything.

thanks. i like the feel of the steering wheel much better versus the stock, thin non-sport wheel.

the 350mm size also helps the car feel much more sporty. hate the ricer momo horn, but its really well made (nice contact points, metal) versus any aftermarket BMW momo horns (shitty contact points on all options ive tried), so it must stay.

dont really care about the airbag. i probably should, but dont.

porsche959 · 09-02-2019, 10:10 PM

update - so its been a few days, and a couple hundred miles on twisties + city roads. getting used to the increased effort required to drive it. did not even notice it today, so maybe im getting stronger.

cant say if its better or worse on the twisties, but surprisingly it makes parallel parking in nyc much easier. u turns are much more efficient as well.

08-29-2019, 04:03 PM	#1
porsche959 Banned 471 Rep 996 Posts Drives: porsche Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: chicago iTrader: (0)	E90 m3 steering rack swap impressions Installed m3 rack. Took 4-5 hrs. Hardest part was getting the steering spindle removed/reattached. First impressions: I am on the fence on whether this was worth the work or not. I did this in a public parking garage on jacks, and my entire body is fcking sore, one day later. It’s a noticeable mod but I am not blown away by it. That said, I’m happy I did it...but in hindsight I am 50/50 on if I would do it again. My view may change once I hit the twisties in upstate NY. I’ve only driven about 50 miles total around nyc and NJ. For reference, the only other suspension mod I’ve done (besides full oem non sport suspension refresh) is an e93 m3 front sway + bushings - which I highly recommend. steering effort requires about 50% more strength versus stock, at stand still (see vid). At speed it’s about 30% harder. YMMV tho as my stock rack was fairly stiff. overall driving feel comes off as stiffer. Could be new tie rods (stock 325 inner and outer tie rods) or new alignment. I feel more bumps on the road. Steering rack cost $380 used, I installed myself over 4-5 hours. Alignment was free (Firestone lifetime) and definitely needed ASAP. Not safe to drive without alignment. Make sure to use a full L of power steering fluid. It will screech like death when even 10% low on fluid. lock to lock steering wheel movement has been reduced. Went from about 1.5 left and right rotation to about 1.25z
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08-29-2019, 05:06 PM	#2
tlow98 Major General 2188 Rep 5,002 Posts Drives: 2009 E91, 2014 F15 x35i Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (2)	damn! crazy spot to change a rack. where on earth did you find a place that was willing to let you dump all that on their concrete? olololol and thanks for the review
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09-02-2019, 02:21 PM	#5
mweisdorfer Major General 1903 Rep 6,968 Posts Drives: 2007 Black/Black 335i e90 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Holly, MI iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW E90 335i [0.00] 2008 bmw x5 [0.00]	I probably wouldn't consider this upgrade unless my rack went bad. I'm basing this on the fact that a rack is expensive to begin with and your post.
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09-02-2019, 05:52 PM	#6
Fritzer No one sleep in Tokyo 945 Rep 1,507 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 328i//1995 E34 530i Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: San Diego, California -> Austin, Texas iTrader: (3)	Such an interesting place to do that! Good job, though! I have considered doing this, probably if my stock rack went to shit. However, the E90 stock steering rack is already quite good for what it is. I think these swaps like putting the Z3 rack in E30/E34/E36 etc is more popular just because there is such a larger difference from stock, in that case. Regardless, really interesting! Seems like you got a good deal on it too. I have seen E9x M3 steering racks go for much more! __________________ 2011 E90 328i, 1995 E34 530i, 1992 E32 740i, 1991 E34 525i
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09-02-2019, 05:56 PM	#7
Fritzer No one sleep in Tokyo 945 Rep 1,507 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 328i//1995 E34 530i Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: San Diego, California -> Austin, Texas iTrader: (3)	Also, cool choice of steering wheel. I was just thinking about getting a new one myself. I found a guy in Ukraine who refurbishes the sport steering wheels with the flat bottom, that accept the M-Sport airbag. They seem affordable, however I would like something a bit more different. Aftermarket, but OEM+ looking. Are you nervous not having a steering wheel airbag? I assume you don't have a harness or anything. __________________ 2011 E90 328i, 1995 E34 530i, 1992 E32 740i, 1991 E34 525i
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-02-2019, 10:10 PM	#9
porsche959 Banned 471 Rep 996 Posts Drives: porsche Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: chicago iTrader: (0)	update - so its been a few days, and a couple hundred miles on twisties + city roads. getting used to the increased effort required to drive it. did not even notice it today, so maybe im getting stronger. cant say if its better or worse on the twisties, but surprisingly it makes parallel parking in nyc much easier. u turns are much more efficient as well.
	Appreciate 0 Quote