Z4M Tie rods: an alternative

[RobertRO]

Tracking down a steering left-right judder (wobble), I reached out the conclusion that I must replace the steering tie rods.
By "tie rod" I mean the p/n 32107837835 (left) or 32107837836 (right), which are unique to Z4M E86/E85.
Note that a Z4M tie rod is made of:
- the tie rod end, different part for left / right (p/n 32106774220 / 32106774221);
- the inner tie rod, which cannot be purchase separately neither from BMW nor from Lemforder, so there's no disctinct BMW p/n for it;
- a clamp ring (p/n 32216774890);
- a hex nut (p/n 32107837839).
Link reference realoem.com.

Various car parts manufacturers sell the inner tie rod for the non-M E85/E86, but nobody sells one for the Z4M.

A while ago I had bought a set of Lemforder tie rod ends (p/n 18003 02 left / 18004 02 right). Lemforder is the OEM for these BMW parts (32106774220 / 32106774221), so buying from Lemforder you get exactly the same stuff, but cheaper. Having the tie rod ends readily available, I needed just the inner tie rods.
Not having the time to wait one week for BMW dealer to deliver a tie rod assembly, I ordered the Moog inner tie rod p/n BM-AX-4342, referenced for non-M Z4 E85/E86 in the Moog catalog.

As you can see from the picture below, the Moog part is, size-wise and functionality-wise, a compatible replacement of the BMW/Lemforder inner tie rod that you can only buy bundled with the tie rod end. The picture also contains some explanation.


Of course, in a normal situation one would simply order the BMW tie rods and call it a day.
The purpose of this thread is to point out a solution for Z4M tie rods in situations other than ordinary (e.g. when delivery time or budget matters).

Note: I fear that my steering wobble will only be solved by replacing the steering rack...

 

[gnx]

Interesting! Keep us informed.

 

[grannyknot]

I ordered the Moog inner tie rod p/n BM-AX-4342, referenced for non-M Z4 E85/E86 in the Moog catalog.

Robert, thank you, the part number is still good, just ordered two.

 

[Vanne]

Steering wobble solved by swapping the steering rack??? What???

I'd start by replacing all the rubber bits down there and most probably the control arms. The rack is the last thing you should replace, as it's the most expensive part.if your rack is worn, that would only be from the rest of the front end being shagged..

Get under it and start having a good look.

It's easy enough to check if the tie rods are shot, lift the car and feel for non commanded left/right movement, similar to checking for a rooted wheel bearing..

If it's really bad wobble, I'd be checking front discs, and front tires.. maybe you've got a de-lem/bubble in the tire. If it's only present during braking, look at the rotors.