[adpack82]

My steering rack needs replacing. I can probabaly buy several used racks for the price of a new one from BMW.

My question is; while it's a straight forward mechanical fit, how difficult is it to code the new (used) rack to the car? That's assuming it is possible.

Also, while I'm at it, can I change to vss?

2014 330d.

Thanks

[Watsey]

AFAIK this is a dealer-fit process (or at least someone who is BMW technician qualified), with a substantial software download from BMW Germany to code the new rack into the car.

I very much doubt that BMW would even consider upgrading the rack to VSS.

But every day is a school day and I'm happy to be proven wrong.

[adpack82]

Originally Posted by Watsey

AFAIK this is a dealer-fit process (or at least someone who is BMW technician qualified), with a substantial software download from BMW Germany to code the new rack into the car.

I very much doubt that BMW would even consider upgrading the rack to VSS.

But every day is a school day and I'm happy to be proven wrong.

Would that include fitting a rack of the same spec as I have now, or just for vss retrofit?

I know that it'll need coding to the car, but I have esys and ista-p.

[Watsey]

My car has had two replacement steering racks (no VSS) and both had to be coded into the car. Talking with the service manager it did seem to be a time-consuming process. Multiple ECUs have to be coded, including the rack and the AT.

[NISFAN]

I guess it depends on what items you want to replace.

The rack itself has a whopping great motor on it, then there is a load cell and steering angle sensor on the input shaft (from steering wheel). Other than that it is a mechanical device. Perhaps you can separate the part you need to replace ( the mechanical rack itself ?!?!?) without needing to code? As for coding, if replacing like for like (be careful here as there are many rack part numbers) I'm sure it is less coding and more calibration it requires.

I'd be tempted to give it a go myself

......provided the 'new' rack is sound.

[Daftasabrush]

You could also look into getting your existing rack re-manufactured which may be cheaper and likely to also provide a warranty of some sort.

[sspade]

Keep us posted on your decision...

If you buy a VSS rack, dont see why the dealer/indy wouldnt fit and code it the exact same as a non VSS rack...

Thats my plan as well if my rack fails.

[Hooded]

What's the fault on your current rack?

[adpack82]

Originally Posted by NISFAN

I guess it depends on what items you want to replace.

The rack itself has a whopping great motor on it, then there is a load cell and steering angle sensor on the input shaft (from steering wheel). Other than that it is a mechanical device. Perhaps you can separate the part you need to replace ( the mechanical rack itself ?!?!?) without needing to code? As for coding, if replacing like for like (be careful here as there are many rack part numbers) I'm sure it is less coding and more calibration it requires.

I'd be tempted to give it a go myself

......provided the 'new' rack is sound.

I did think about trying to replace the mechanical parts only; It's worth a go at least.

I had a look on real oem, so I know which rack I need. Of should that be racks, as my exact part number has been superseded about 10 times! 😁

[adpack82]

Originally Posted by Daftasabrush

You could also look into getting your existing rack re-manufactured which may be cheaper and likely to also provide a warranty of some sort.

I spoke to someone who had it done. He payed £600. Used racks are around £300 on ebay.

[adpack82]

Originally Posted by Hooded

What's the fault on your current rack?

Knocking, which was lessened but not fixed with the thrust piece repair kit. Also vague, notchy steering that needs constant correction. Loads of dead spots etc.

Before anyone suggests it - I've had 3, four wheel alignments done. 2 by dealer, one by indi, tried 2 sets of wheels, one set with run flats, the other with Ps4's

[Watsey]

The knocking is due to a tolerance fault, but you know that as you've tried the thrust repair approach.

The characteristics of the racks in the current model range are basically quite shit. Electrical assistance rather than hydraulic ruins the responsiveness and kills the feel, bump steer is automatically 'corrected' but very badly (you end up fighting the steering), and the racks are quite slow in the non-M versions.

The second-worse decision by BMW, IMO, behind the standard fitment of RFTs. I understand the theoretical efficiency gains but the execution is poor.

[adpack82]

Originally Posted by Watsey

The knocking is due to a tolerance fault, but you know that as you've tried the thrust repair approach.

The characteristics of the racks in the current model range are basically quite shit. Electrical assistance rather than hydraulic ruins the responsiveness and kills the feel, bump steer is automatically 'corrected' but very badly (you end up fighting the steering), and the racks are quite slow in the non-M versions.

The second-worse decision by BMW, IMO, behind the standard fitment of RFTs. I understand the theoretical efficiency gains but the execution is poor.

Yes, very poor. Sadly, I don't have the luxury of getting used to it either, as I drive several different cars a day. I jump back in my car at the end of the day and it feels great... Until I drive 100yds.

[Hooded]

Originally Posted by Daftasabrush

You could also look into getting your existing rack re-manufactured which may be cheaper and likely to also provide a warranty of some sort.

I would probably go with that over one off eBay. A second hand rack off eBay might not be a lot better than the one currently on the car.

[sspade]

Originally Posted by Hooded

I would probably go with that over one off eBay. A second hand rack off eBay might not be a lot better than the one currently on the car.

I understand and agree but if getting remanufactured... why would it matter?

Also... buying a used one off eBay and sending it out for repair allows you to still drive your car until you have a brand new rack ready to go in... thats a huge plus and leaves the car down for only a day max versus weeks potentially...

[Crazy_1201]

It is doable:

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...5#post21853485

Coding:

Expert Mode-Coding Read FA Activate FA Read SVT Select EPS ECU Detect CAFD for SWE Choose CAFD Click Code

[Hooded]

Originally Posted by sspade

I understand and agree but if getting remanufactured... why would it matter?

Also... buying a used one off eBay and sending it out for repair allows you to still drive your car until you have a brand new rack ready to go in... thats a huge plus and leaves the car down for only a day max versus weeks potentially...

£300 + £600 if buying of eBay instead of just £600 for remanufacture?

I guess I'm thinking as someone who owns more than 1 car though!

[sspade]

Originally Posted by Hooded

£300 + £600 if buying of eBay instead of just £600 for remanufacture?

I guess I'm thinking as someone who owns more than 1 car though!

Fair enough. We are just talking out options... all good!

[adpack82]

Originally Posted by Crazy_1201

It is doable:

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...5#post21853485

Coding:

Expert Mode-Coding Read FA Activate FA Read SVT Select EPS ECU Detect CAFD for SWE Choose CAFD Click Code

Thanks. That's the kind of think I'm looking for. 👍

[adpack82]

Originally Posted by Hooded

£300 + £600 if buying of eBay instead of just £600 for remanufacture?

I guess I'm thinking as someone who owns more than 1 car though!

We have two cars; however, they both get used daily by my wife and I.

I understand its a gamble buying a used rack. Worst case scenario is buying a rack and then having to get it refurbed. Thay is still a hell of a lot cheaper than buying a new one! Plus, I out the "new" rack on my car and try it out if it's not quite right then it's my original rack that's away getting re-manufactured, while I still have a car to use.

[jacek.kusnierek]

Hi
I need replace stering rack on my BMW F32 430d.
My present stering rack number is: 32106881032 RC.
Can I fit Stering rack number: 32106874680 RB