Has anyone spoken with a dealer regarding a retro fit of the quicker steering ratio into a non-ZCP package M3? What parts would need to be swapped? How hard do you think this would be to do? I have my dealer working on figuring this out.

Has anyone spoken with a dealer regarding a retro fit of the quicker steering ratio into a non-ZCP package M3? What parts would need to be swapped? How hard do you think this would be to do? I have my dealer working on figuring this out.

just the steering rack...you have to unbolt the suspension upfront... part is almost 700 bucks not including labor...and you only gain like 1.45 degree turn for every 360 degree turn of the steering wheel.

just the steering rack...you have to unbolt the suspension upfront... part is almost 700 bucks not including labor...and you only gain like 1.45 degree turn for every 360 degree turn of the steering wheel.

more info...

So, using Standard M3 with 15.4:1 ratio versus CSL 14.5:1 ratio...

360/X=15.4.... 360/X=14.5

Thus..one 360 degree turn of the steering wheel for the standard M3 turns the wheel 23.38 degrees and 24.83 degrees for the CSL gear ratio...

Is the ZHP rack a 13.7:1 ? or something like that? Anyone have the part number for that rack?

Is the ZHP rack a 13.7:1 ? or something like that? Anyone have the part number for that rack?

same as the CSL above... PN# available at the dealer...

more info...

So, using Standard M3 with 15.4:1 ratio versus CSL 14.5:1 ratio...

360/X=15.4.... 360/X=14.5

Thus..one 360 degree turn of the steering wheel for the standard M3 turns the wheel 23.38 degrees and 24.83 degrees for the CSL gear ratio...

Doesn't sound like much of a value proposition.

Doesn't sound like much of a value proposition.

that's true...

Service manager at the dealer called me this morning and said they have a production hold on the parts right now. The parts cost will be $1,400 when they can get them.

The dealer ordered an M3 with the competion package for a demo. I'll give it a try when the get it to see if there is a significant difference.

Service manager at the dealer called me this morning and said they have a production hold on the parts right now. The parts cost will be $1,400 when they can get them.

The dealer ordered an M3 with the competion package for a demo. I'll give it a try when the get it to see if there is a significant difference.

outrageous price. I'll love to test drive one too, when will the demo arrive?

outrageous price. I'll love to test drive one too, when will the demo arrive?

The service manager didn't know. Gave me the name of the BMW sales guy he was working with. The sales guy has an '02 M3 that is apparently heavily mod'd and was also interested in the steering rack conversion.

Quick question about this old thread...

Are the E46 M3 and CSL racks variable or constant ratio? For instance, the 95 M3 is a 15.4 but is variable with the center being slightly loose and tightening as you turn. The Z3 ratio is also 15.4, but is constant throughout...

Quick question about this old thread...

Are the E46 M3 and CSL racks variable or constant ratio? For instance, the 95 M3 is a 15.4 but is variable with the center being slightly loose and tightening as you turn. The Z3 ratio is also 15.4, but is constant throughout...


fixed. The power steering varies as a function of the RPM.

fixed. The power steering varies as a function of the RPM.

Thanks! I'm trying to decide whether or not to change out my 98M3 steering rack to a 95M3 or Z3. Some say the Z3 would be too twitchy, but if it's closer to my E46M3, then it might be fine...