Steering rack OEM Subaru or OEM BMW

The steering rack leak soon turned to a steering rack flood. The seals were basically plastic and blew out. The replacement has been excellent.

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.

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 have installed two Z3 racks, I love it... Bought both used on Ebay from CA from low mileage cars and look fantastic, wouldn't hesitate buying used from a salvage if you know the mileage.

I have a Z3 steering rack and love it. Extremely tight steering.

I picked up and e36 rack (wish I went z3 at the time). Tightens everything up.

I put one in my car and didn't retrofit servotronic and I firmly believe that was the best steering i've ever felt in any car in my life.

The STI rack blows. There is no need for a faster ratio and all it does in reality is make the steering bizarrely stiff and heavy. The STI rack truly sucks for motorsports. Trying going lock to lock with steering that heavy and big sticky tires. It's a workout and your times will suffer. And it's just plain annoying on the street.

I just put in a remanufactured $150 rack and it's a huge (bad) difference.