Converting Your E85/E86 to Hydraulic Steering

[vbelsky]

This is all a direct swap into M54-powered cars. For N52 cars (3.0si), you may be able to use a LUK LF30 power steering pump from an E90 with an E36/E46 steering rack and ATF fluid. The LUK LF30 was used in some early E46s with ATF, and in E9X models with CHF11S.
Parts you will need:

Steering Column/Shaft:
Z4 M Intermediate shaft
Part #32307836809 (LHD)
Part #32307836811 (RHD)
You will need this piece to connect the steering rack pinion to the steering column. The Z4 M one is meant to connect to the hydraulic rack pinions. The standard Z4 intermediate shaft will not fit onto the hydraulic steering rack. You'll save a lot of money buying it used.

Z4 M steering column
Part #32307841203 (LHD)
Part #32307841204 (RHD)
Not required but preferable. Also much cheaper to buy used. The Z4 M steering column doesn't have the electric-assist drive built into it.


Rack and Pump:
Z3/E36/E46/Z4 M steering rack
I used an E46 3-series steering rack because it is the most easily-available.

LUK LF20 power steering pump (M54 Engine)
Part #32416760034
Buy a used or aftermarket one unless you have a thick wallet.

LUK LF30 power steering pump (N52 Engine)
Part #32416769887

Hoses/Lines:
High-pressure line from pump to rack (LHD, M54 engine)
Part #32416774215

High-pressure line from pump to rack (LHD, N52 engine)
Part #32416764725

Power steering cooler loop
Part #17111436262

Line from reservoir to pump
Part #32416750155

Cooler return line
Part #32416796390


Fluid Reservoir and Bracket:
Fluid reservoir
Part #32416851217

Reservoir mounting bracket (M54 and N52)
Part #32411128333

Mounting bracket (additional, needed for N52 along with the above one)
Part #32416768096

 

[Ducklakeview]

Nice to have all the part numbers!

Mike

 

[ellistai]

Rack and Pump:
Z3/E36/E46/Z4 M steering rack
I used an E46 3-series steering rack because it is the most easily-available.

LUK LF20 power steering pump (M54 Engine)
Part #32416760034
Buy a used or aftermarket one unless you have a thick wallet.

LUK LF30 power steering pump (N52 Engine)
Part #32416769887

Hoses/Lines:
High-pressure line from pump to rack (LHD, M54 engine)
Part #32416774215

High-pressure line from pump to rack (LHD, N52 engine)
Part #32416764725

Power steering cooler loop
Part #17111436262

Line from reservoir to pump
Part #32416750155

Cooler return line
Part #32416796390


Fluid Reservoir and Bracket:
Fluid reservoir
Part #32416851217

Reservoir mounting bracket (M54 and N52)
Part #32411128333

Mounting bracket (additional, needed for N52 along with the above one)
Part #32416768096

Thank you so much for documenting the list with part numbers. That's brilliant.

For the specific parts above, are the same part numbers applicable to both LHD & RHD cars? What's the part number for the high-pressure lines for RHD cars? BTW, which E46 steering rack you used? Got the part number for that?

Thanks again!

 

[Wraxall Z4]

Hi
I have a 2003 Z4 3.0i with electric steering that has now totally stopped working, and, after taking it to an independent BMW specialist, it seems the whole unit needs to be replaced and a very expensive job. The car is now sorn while I try to decide what to do.
I have seen some posts about converting the Z4 to hydraulic steering as I understand the car is based on a 3 series.
I would appreciate any help. Is it a good idea? Has anyone had this done?
My local garage would be prepared to take on the work as they are ex BMW mechanics, but they need as much information as possible about the parts that are needed. (I'm in Wraxall, Bristol BTW)

Thanks
Paul

 

[Rockhopper]

Scroll up the page!

 

[mihai_stancu]

Steering Column/Shaft:
Z4 M Intermediate shaft
Part #32307836809 (LHD)
Part #32307836811 (RHD)
You will need this piece to connect the steering rack pinion to the steering column. The Z4 M one is meant to connect to the hydraulic rack pinions. The standard Z4 intermediate shaft will not fit onto the hydraulic steering rack. You'll save a lot of money buying it used.

Hey there!

I was wondering if the 2 parts are identical. I found a RHD part and I have a LHD car. Do you know anything about this?

Thanks a lot
Mihai

 

[Reamesy]

How does this affect the DSC and any warning lights. Does it require any coding as leaving warning lights on will be a MOT failure.