Manual v auto: Different Steering Column?

[skmattwell]

Have heard from another owner that the steering column for autos and manuals are a little different, with autos having a wire between the column and gearbox that unlocks the gear selector when the ignition is turned?

Is this true? I'm looking to do a hydraulic steering conversion soon, so this might throw a spanner in the works

 

[enuff_zed]

Yes they are different but not sure if it’ll cause you an issue as I thought the column itself remained in place with just the motor removed?

 

[Rockhopper]

I think you need to chop the end off the motor and leave it connected up or you'll get the EPS light on. Or maybe it can be coded out?

Yes, the manual and auto steering columns have different part numbers but its not obvious what the differences actually are other than the interlock cable.

 

[smorris_12]

I'd be amazed if the selector interlock parts can't be swapped from one column to another.

 

[skmattwell]

Yes they are different but not sure if it’ll cause you an issue as I thought the column itself remained in place with just the motor removed?

I'll likely be replacing the column for a z4m one, which never came as an auto

I think you need to chop the end off the motor and leave it connected up or you'll get the EPS light on. Or maybe it can be coded out?

Yes, the manual and auto steering columns have different part numbers but its not obvious what the differences actually are other than the interlock cable.

I'll be changing the column and yes the eps light can be coded out. I just don't want to any other issues like this to arise.

I'd be amazed if the selector interlock parts can't be swapped from one column to another.

This is what I'm thinking, but need to find another auto owner who has done a hydraulic conversion

 

[skmattwell]

So having a look at realoem to see the differences.

One of them is the cable circled, could someone with a manual let me know if you have an empty socket behind the ignition barrel where this cable would go?

 

[enuff_zed]

Just so happens I have a spare manual column in the garage.
Sadly for you it seems that there is just a blank there; no hole or socket, just a metal bit that I guess they drill out to fit the auto column?
However, that section is held in place by two shear bolts.
If you can get those out you may be able to swap that whole assembly over?

 

[skmattwell]

Just so happens I have a spare manual column in the garage.
Sadly for you it seems that there is just a blank there; no hole or socket, just a metal bit that I guess they drill out to fit the auto column?
However, that section is held in place by two shear bolts.
If you can get those out you may be able to swap that whole assembly over?
IMG_4769.jpg
IMG_4770.jpg

Ah that's annoying, apparently the auto has some kind of servo incorporated too that I presume attaches to the opposite side of the cable. Thanks for having a look.

Guessing the hydraulic conversion isn't possible with the original steering column?

 

[enuff_zed]

Just so happens I have a spare manual column in the garage.
Sadly for you it seems that there is just a blank there; no hole or socket, just a metal bit that I guess they drill out to fit the auto column?
However, that section is held in place by two shear bolts.
If you can get those out you may be able to swap that whole assembly over?
IMG_4769.jpg
IMG_4770.jpg

Ah that's annoying, apparently the auto has some kind of servo incorporated too that I presume attaches to the opposite side of the cable. Thanks for having a look.

Guessing the hydraulic conversion isn't possible with the original steering column?

I thought it was?
You just need the converted intermediate shaft don't you?
Talk to Rob ([ref]Usel[/ref]), he has a mate who can convert them for you.

 

[skmattwell]

Just so happens I have a spare manual column in the garage.
Sadly for you it seems that there is just a blank there; no hole or socket, just a metal bit that I guess they drill out to fit the auto column?
However, that section is held in place by two shear bolts.
If you can get those out you may be able to swap that whole assembly over?
IMG_4769.jpg
IMG_4770.jpg

Ah that's annoying, apparently the auto has some kind of servo incorporated too that I presume attaches to the opposite side of the cable. Thanks for having a look.

Guessing the hydraulic conversion isn't possible with the original steering column?

I thought it was?
You just need the converted intermediate shaft don't you?
Talk to Rob ([ref]Usel[/ref]), he has a mate who can convert them for you.

I can source a z4m intermediate shaft, would that mean it wouldn't need to convert anything?

 

[enuff_zed]

Ah that's annoying, apparently the auto has some kind of servo incorporated too that I presume attaches to the opposite side of the cable. Thanks for having a look.

Guessing the hydraulic conversion isn't possible with the original steering column?

I thought it was?
You just need the converted intermediate shaft don't you?
Talk to Rob ([ref]Usel[/ref]), he has a mate who can convert them for you.

I can source a z4m intermediate shaft, would that mean it wouldn't need to convert anything?

I am not certain tbh. Someone did it on here recently didn't they?
Usel supplied the shaft for them.

 

[skmattwell]

I it was?
You just need the converted intermediate shaft don't you?
Talk to Rob ([ref]Usel[/ref]), he has a mate who can convert them for you.

I can source a z4m intermediate shaft, would that mean it wouldn't need to convert anything?

I am not certain tbh. Someone did it on here recently didn't they?
Usel supplied the shaft for them.

Will ask him, thanks for your help as always

 

[Usel]

Read this thread, it lists all the parts you need:

https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=106552

When sourcing a steering rack from an e46 check the turn speeds. If I remember rightly a standard zed is 14.7 and a Z4M is 13.7.
An E46 has 3 or 4 different speed racks but they do have a 13.7. Wish I had the link to the thread I read this in the other day.

If needed source a rack and parts from an auto E46.

 

[skmattwell]

Read this thread, it lists all the parts you need:

https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=106552

When sourcing a steering rack from an e46 check the turn speeds. If I remember rightly a standard zed is 14.7 and a Z4M is 13.7.
An E46 has 3 or 4 different speed racks but they do have a 13.7. Wish I had the link to the thread I read this in the other day.

If needed source a rack and parts from an auto E46.

Thanks mate, my current plan is to use a z4m steering column and intermediate shaft with a e46 purple tag steering rack. They will all work fine with each other, I'm just working on seeing if the auto specific parts can be retrofitted onto a z4m steering column.

Will let you know of progress
And if anyone knows of someone who has an auto and has done a hydraulic steering conversion it would be amazing

 

[smorris_12]

Don't forget the option of simply deleting the interlock - it's only there to stop the key coming out without it being in park. This only came along around the time of the facelift E36 and we used to cope happily without it! The starter is still inhibited electronically if it's not in N or P.

 

[skmattwell]

Don't forget the option of simply deleting the interlock - it's only there to stop the key coming out without it being in park. This only came along around the time of the facelift E36 and we used to cope happily without it! The starter is still inhibited electronically if it's not in N or P.

Ah interesting, my biggest worry was accidentally starting the car while in drive

 

[raymond.harper]

If you are going to convert the car to hydraulic, bear in mind that the fuel consumption will increase. My 2.5 went from 37 mpg to 34 mpg

 

[skmattwell]

If you are going to convert the car to hydraulic, bear in mind that the fuel consumption will increase. My 2.5 went from 37 mpg to 34 mpg

I'd rather take the 3mpg hit and feel like the car isn't going to kill me on the motorway to be frank haha

 

[raymond.harper]

There is an article suggesting the preload on the actual steering rack is the culprit in some cases. https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=100725&p=2028219#p2028219