Unofficialbmw.com

sbcncsu · Joined: 13 Aug 2000 Posts: 15 Location: Castle Hayne, NC

I have a 1985 318i that needs a rebuild of the front suspension. It pulls to the left, rattles when going over bumps and drives more like a tank than a BMW. I have purchased new control arms, control arm bushings, swaybar end links and tie rod assemblies. The only part I haven't bought yet are struts and a rebuilt rack and pinion.
Does anyone know of a good source for Bilsteins other than Bavarian Auto? I need to do price comparisons before I buy. Also, is there a good, trusted/reputable source for rebuilt racks? Is a rebuild kit available for the power racks?

Any input would be appreciated.

Scott

rduckwor · Joined: 09 Dec 2000 Posts: 41 Location: Bellevue, NE USA

I've gotta quit clicking so fast. anyway here is the reply that I accidentally posted as a new topic.

Bob Duckworth

Contact Steve Haygood at shaygood@alltel.net. He can save you some money on these parts. Think about Boge's instead of Bilsteins. Bilsteins are pretty harsh riding.
HTH

Bob Duckworth

sbcncsu · Joined: 13 Aug 2000 Posts: 15 Location: Castle Hayne, NC

Thanks Bob. I will send Steve an e-mail.
BTW: Have you ever replaced the Rack in an E-30? Is it difficult? Can it be accomplished with the car on jack stands?

Thanks and I hope you had a Merry Christmas!

rduckwor · Joined: 09 Dec 2000 Posts: 41 Location: Bellevue, NE USA

Haven't yet done an E30. Did an E21 long time ago. SHouldn't be a big deaal on the stands.

Good Luck,

Bob Duckworth

GregByrd · Joined: 30 Dec 2000 Posts: 2 Location: Clearwater,FL, USA

I just put a new rack in our 85 325e and it was a pretty easy job. I took the best part of a Saturday to do it, working slowly and carefully. There are two tabs that you must bend a bit to get the old one out and the new one in. There's a good description of the process at http://www.koalamotorsport.com/tech/rack.html. I used that info along with my Bentley manual.
We got our rack through Bavarian Parts (bavarianparts.com) not the same as Bavarian Auto Parts. Mark there was very helpful and even shipped the rack express w/o charging extra for it.

Greg

sbcncsu · Joined: 13 Aug 2000 Posts: 15 Location: Castle Hayne, NC

Well, 2 days and it is done. I installed new control arms, control arm bushings, swaybar endlinks, tie rods and a remanufactured power steering rack. I need to take it to the shop for the alignment now but, even toed out a bit, it drove around the block beautifully. I am amazed that a 16 year old car can be made to drive that well! Next up... Tune up, seats/covers, rubber seals... Stay tuned.