[deviantspeed]

Originally Posted by Mr Podman

Doesn't look like a "simple broken belt" to me. It looks like a steering gear chewed up a belt for reasons that have yet to be diagnosed. Without understanding the root cause of that failure, you may be wasting your time chasing a belt part number.

If you do decide to try replacing the belt, the designer & manufacturer of that steering gear has a bill of materials for it, including the belt. There are only three in the world that build racks for BMW so it's not difficult to sleuth out which one made yours.

This 100%, and IIRC I thought I read under 36k miles. It seems like there's a deeper problem here, like an accident.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Mr Podman

Doesn't look like a "simple broken belt" to me. It looks like a steering gear chewed up a belt for reasons that have yet to be diagnosed. Without understanding the root cause of that failure, you may be wasting your time chasing a belt part number.

Similar thoughts when looking at the image. Why the chewed up belt? The application couldn't be simpler, I sense some sort of overload, or something else contributing to the failure.

[deviantspeed]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

Similar thoughts when looking at the image. Why the chewed up belt? The application couldn't be simpler, I sense some sort of overload, or something else contributing to the failure.

I've seen belts fail before, that IS a possibility, but the great explanation is that there's something physical that's out of spec.... if there's even a spec.

[hardparker]

You can find remanufactured racks for around $1000. Look on rockauto.com. If they're out of stock, search the part numbers they list and see who has them in stock.

[J306TD]

Originally Posted by Mr Podman

There are only three in the world that build racks for BMW so it's not difficult to sleuth out which one made yours.

Looks like a Thyssen Krupp one to me. But will need to see more to be sure

[IK6SPEED]

Originally Posted by hardparker

You can find remanufactured racks for around $1000. Look on rockauto.com. If they're out of stock, search the part numbers they list and see who has them in stock.

RockAuto does not have the racks for RHD (obviously) in USA.

Originally Posted by J306TD

Looks like a Thyssen Krupp one to me. But will need to see more to be sure

Yes, someone texted me that last night.

Realoem lists as a Sport/TKP so suspect you are correct.

Had already sent an email to them overnight.

[J306TD]

Originally Posted by IK6SPEED

RockAuto does not have the racks for RHD (obviously) in USA.

Yes, someone texted me that last night.

Realoem lists as a Sport/TKP so suspect you are correct.

Had already sent an email to them overnight.

Originally Posted by IK6SPEED

RockAuto does not have the racks for RHD (obviously) in USA.

Yes, someone texted me that last night.

Realoem lists as a Sport/TKP so suspect you are correct.

Had already sent an email to them overnight.

These are assembled in Germany by TKPS. Don't know how helpful they will be in sending you a new belt. Furthermore have you got a belt tension meter? As you don't want it too slack or too tight.

[IK6SPEED]

Originally Posted by J306TD

These are assembled in Germany by TKPS. Don't know how helpful they will be in sending you a new belt. Furthermore have you got a belt tension meter? As you don't want it too slack or too tight.

Yes, that's my concern.

Why send me info on where to find a $25 belt when they can sell someone a $3000 part instead.

They have confirmed to me the email is in support. We shall see.

[sspade]

Can't believe no one checked eBay. Is this a joke?

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F183752371716
M

[IK6SPEED]

Originally Posted by sspade

Can't believe no one checked eBay. Is this a joke?

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F183752371716
M

Reread Original Post

[sspade]

Originally Posted by IK6SPEED

Reread Original Post

Missed all of that detail when I originally read post yesterday.

What about this one?

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F254156484710

Wonder if the ones listed out of Russia or Ukraine are any better?

You could ask sellers for measurements...

Id be shocked if all four sellers have the wrong belt. That has to be very unlikely.

[IK6SPEED]

Originally Posted by sspade

Missed all of that detail when I originally read post yesterday.

What about this one?

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F254156484710

Wonder if the ones listed out of Russia or Ukraine are any better?

You could ask sellers for measurements...

Id be shocked if all four sellers have the wrong belt. That has to be very unlikely.

I do not know (nor does he) that the belt he received would not fit a different 3x model.

If you look how many different part numbers there are on realoem between diagram 1 and 12....VSS and non-VSS...and then part numbers that are RHD only of the above, clearly the same belts were not used in all.

Look below....this is list of part numbers from only 3 different models of F30 335i. By my rough count eliminating dupes that's roughly 75 different parts. No telling how many more exist when all F3x models are considered.

Thus it's an absolute crap shot....and clearly the sellers are unaware which fits what.

But it's clear, one size does not fit all.

[TheShadow]

Once new one is installed you can code with ESYS and then run some procedures with ISTA D. You need to import a FSC code for the EPS.

This is what i've been told.

[J306TD]

Originally Posted by IK6SPEED

I do not know (nor does he) that the belt he received would not fit a different 3x model.

If you look how many different part numbers there are on realoem between diagram 1 and 12....VSS and non-VSS...and then part numbers that are RHD only of the above, clearly the same belts were not used in all.

Look below....this is list of part numbers from only 3 different models of F30 335i. By my rough count eliminating dupes that's roughly 75 different parts. No telling how many more exist when all F3x models are considered.

Thus it's an absolute crap shot....and clearly the sellers are unaware which fits what.

But it's clear, one size does not fit all.

Originally Posted by IK6SPEED

I do not know (nor does he) that the belt he received would not fit a different 3x model.

If you look how many different part numbers there are on realoem between diagram 1 and 12....VSS and non-VSS...and then part numbers that are RHD only of the above, clearly the same belts were not used in all.

Look below....this is list of part numbers from only 3 different models of F30 335i. By my rough count eliminating dupes that's roughly 75 different parts. No telling how many more exist when all F3x models are considered.

Thus it's an absolute crap shot....and clearly the sellers are unaware which fits what.

But it's clear, one size does not fit all.

There isn't 75 variants. IIRC there are 2 vss and none vss. The majority are old designs. Hence the ended in the last column. These have been through many changes over the years. Not visible as its internal I.e last year new yoke fitted for the knock.

Can you get the last 6 digits of the VIN to check which is required?

[Dr_BK]

I think your best bet in deciding what best approach to use would be examine the snapped belt. That can give you an indication of what happened. if the different covers are bad then dirt goes in there and may be affected the teeth of the ratchet or may be the ratchet thing moves. Luckily and unluckily I am in Africa. I have been to a workshop where they dismantled the entire rack to pieces and I saw the parts you are talking about. that entire work wont cost more than a 100 dollars here. the unlucky part is we dont get good spare parts. So in truth, the belt from a used rack will not be a bad idea, and if the components in there are fine, the used belt can last years. Instead of the US. let me recommend you check silverlake autos. based in the UK for salvage cars. you might get your rack way cheaper

[IK6SPEED]

Originally Posted by J306TD

There isn't 75 variants. IIRC there are 2 vss and none vss. The majority are old designs. Hence the ended in the last column. These have been through many changes over the years. Not visible as its internal I.e last year new yoke fitted for the knock.

Can you get the last 6 digits of the VIN to check which is required?

Just because it's ended doesn't mean it's not in a car.

Again, as proven from the eBay purchase, just because a seller claims it fits a F30 unit, doesn't mean it fits ALL 75+ F30 parts.

As for the Car Vin, the results with the VIN show 13 different parts that would work in the car. However due to the 9/12 date, the part in the car is most likely the first one that ended 11/12 - 32106859250.

Unfortunately, knowing that does not get this car....or anyone on Bimmerpost, closer to a replacement belt instead of a $3000+ repair.

[J306TD]

Originally Posted by IK6SPEED

Just because it's ended doesn't mean it's not in a car.

Again, as proven from the eBay purchase, just because a seller claims it fits a F30 unit, doesn't mean it fits ALL 75+ F30 parts.

As for the Car Vin, the results with the VIN show 13 different parts that would work in the car. However due to the 9/12 date, the part in the car is most likely the first one that ended 11/12 - 32106859250.

Unfortunately, knowing that does not get this car....or anyone on Bimmerpost, closer to a replacement belt instead of a $3000+ repair.

Originally Posted by IK6SPEED

Just because it's ended doesn't mean it's not in a car.

Again, as proven from the eBay purchase, just because a seller claims it fits a F30 unit, doesn't mean it fits ALL 75+ F30 parts.

As for the Car Vin, the results with the VIN show 13 different parts that would work in the car. However due to the 9/12 date, the part in the car is most likely the first one that ended 11/12 - 32106859250.

Unfortunately, knowing that does not get this car....or anyone on Bimmerpost, closer to a replacement belt instead of a $3000+ repair.

That's what I meant. From the VIN you should be able to work out as you have which one is fitted.

But if you go BMW they will fit the superceeded version

[IK6SPEED]

Originally Posted by J306TD

That's what I meant. From the VIN you should be able to work out as you have which one is fitted.

But if you go BMW they will fit the superceeded version

Agreed.

But as parts are used in the different BMW plants, it was easy on this build as it was one of the first F30's to identify the first part number.

But for all F30 owners built after 11/2012, the odds of correctly identifying which part is in vehicle without visual inspection decreases dramatically.

And bottom line, it still does not help finding a replacement belt for anyone's steering rack as eBay purchase proves there are different belts in different part numbers.

[J306TD]

Originally Posted by IK6SPEED

Agreed.

But as parts are used in the different BMW plants, it was easy on this build as it was one of the first F30's to identify the first part number.

But for all F30 owners built after 11/2012, the odds of correctly identifying which part is in vehicle without visual inspection decreases dramatically.

And bottom line, it still does not help finding a replacement belt for anyone's steering rack as eBay purchase proves there are different belts in different part numbers.

Originally Posted by IK6SPEED

Agreed.

But as parts are used in the different BMW plants, it was easy on this build as it was one of the first F30's to identify the first part number.

But for all F30 owners built after 11/2012, the odds of correctly identifying which part is in vehicle without visual inspection decreases dramatically.

And bottom line, it still does not help finding a replacement belt for anyone's steering rack as eBay purchase proves there are different belts in different part numbers.

As said before without the BOM from TKP for the F30 rack you can't get far.

Out of curiosity have you measured the length and width of the belt then contacted Ebay sellers to see if any match?

[IK6SPEED]

Circling back around to this.

Spent several days with Gates in Denver investigating the QR Codes and the numbers on the belt.

The numbers lineup with nothing they offer. The suspect it's a EU OEM special manufactured belt that they do not sell in their non-OEM channels.

And of course OEM is TKP in this case - not BMW.

So yes, a $3000 part is needed to replace a $20 belt on a steering rack.

[AlpineX]

Originally Posted by IK6SPEED

So yes, a $3000 part is needed to replace a $20 belt on a steering rack.

So tell them to do it. Costly repairs are a risk you sign up for if you want to drive newer expensive cars. Reman racks should be avail soon.
...Though I have a 0% chance believing you can't find and adapt a used rack out of UK or other rhd spec area for a fraction of that. Key would be knowing the collision it came from.

[IK6SPEED]

Originally Posted by AlpineX

So tell them to do it. Costly repairs are a risk you sign up for if you want to drive newer expensive cars. Reman racks should be avail soon.
...Though I have a 0% chance believing you can't find and adapt a used rack out of UK or other rhd spec area for a fraction of that. Key would be knowing the collision it came from.

I am confident that will eventually be done. However this will hopefully serve as a path for those who find themselves going down this pathway in the future.

I would also note the steering rack that has been on the car since it came out of the factory is not even listed among the 75+ variations associated with the F30 in realoem.com

In fact the sequence of the steering racks have no designation for any BMW models in realoem.

Obviously this deepens the mystery even more....and makes a replacement more questionable and not as straight forward as you suggest for a part that has to go air freight half way across the globe.

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/partxref?q=32106859302 or even the most recent in this sequence https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/partxref?q=32106868887 (see below)