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View Full Version : M5 steeringbox a big improvement?


T444E
10-23-2009, 12:23 PM
Found a guy selling an M5 steering box for 145$ with 114k miles, he has had it for sale for a while so I'm sure I could lowball him and get it cheaper. Would it be a worth while improvement over the stock 540 box? Also, how bad is it to do on an M60?
ShapeShifter
10-23-2009, 12:45 PM
Probably a real bjtch on a V8 car.
I would love to get one of these. Quicker steering.
me78569
10-23-2009, 01:42 PM
I lvoe the feel of the m5 steering box. Let me know if you can fit it.
kipwinger
10-23-2009, 01:57 PM
Is the m5 box a servo-tronic?
4500 RPM
10-23-2009, 02:01 PM
I love my M5 box, but didn't notice much of a difference until I bought my E36 M3 steering wheel. The difference is really in twisting, winding roads...you won't notice it putting around town.


Is the m5 box a servo-tronic?

Depends on the year. Mine is non-Servotronic.
kipwinger
10-23-2009, 02:17 PM
What's involved in swapping a servo box?
Steve547i
10-23-2009, 03:38 PM
More importantly, how hard is it to swap in with an m50 motor?
RVAE34
10-23-2009, 04:30 PM
Good thread. This is also something I have been considering.
moroza
10-23-2009, 04:49 PM
Fits I6 cars no problem. V8 cars, though, there's conflicting evidence.

On one hand, the V8 cars have a physically smaller and rounder steerbox, with heatshields.

On the other hand, the M540i allegedly came with the M5 box. RealOEM doesn't list the M540i so it's hard to verify this.

Steerbox is not fun on a V8 car. Basically, you need to lift the engine quite a bit.
91e34M5
10-23-2009, 05:01 PM
M5's have steering boxes that are tied in with the pumping system of the self leveling suspension. Dont think they will interchange with non-SLS. Plus...M5 steering boxes, like other e34 steering boxes, get loose with age, primarily due to wear in the recirculating balls...pretty much a weak spot in all older e34's.
Steve547i
10-23-2009, 05:22 PM
M5's have steering boxes that are tied in with the pumping system of the self leveling suspension. Dont think they will interchange with non-SLS. Plus...M5 steering boxes, like other e34 steering boxes, get loose with age, primarily due to wear in the recirculating balls...pretty much a weak spot in all older e34's.

Did you read the about posts where nic says he loved his? Or that it fits and I6 e34 no problem?
PetesHelga
10-23-2009, 05:57 PM
Yes, more info on this swap please. Will a non-servo box fit a 535i? definite answers from experience is what we are looking for here.
kipwinger
10-23-2009, 06:05 PM
I really want to know about swapping a servo box into a non servo car since I have one sitting around.
Sam Son
10-23-2009, 06:08 PM
ehh Ill hold out for rack and pinion...
kipwinger
10-23-2009, 06:14 PM
ehh Ill hold out for rack and pinion...

You figure out a way and I'm right there with ya.
mikemxbike4
10-23-2009, 06:28 PM
I have a non-servo M5 box laying around...
garrettpier
10-23-2009, 07:08 PM
the swap is not so bad on the v8. garrett i'll help you do it if you decide to. I have a big garage and am aching for another project. e30 on the way but that is a big one. anyway i don't know if the m5 box will fit, but I have my original gearbox if you want to look at the two and compare.

It really isn't that bad a job. I had a thread about it. pics and instructions.

Binjammin was saying that he should have a rack and pinion ready sometime soon, that might be a better solution to the sloppy steering of the m60.
4500 RPM
10-23-2009, 07:58 PM
Did you read the about posts where nic says he loved his? Or that it fits and I6 e34 no problem?

My name is not Nic.
4500 RPM
10-23-2009, 08:00 PM
Yes, more info on this swap please. Will a non-servo box fit a 535i? definite answers from experience is what we are looking for here.

Yes, it will. Non-M E34s are mostly non-servotronic. Lowell told me in a PM that a few 535is are wired for Servotronic, or are Servotronic...something like that.

All I needed to know was that I needed a non-Servotronic box.

EDIT: Buahaha defeated automerge :rofl
Steve547i
10-23-2009, 08:25 PM
My name is not Nic.

My apologies
NikosX
10-23-2009, 08:43 PM
I have a non-servo M5 box laying around...

You sure? lol
4500 RPM
10-23-2009, 09:22 PM
My apologies

It's ok. NikosX = Nic ;)
Steve547i
10-23-2009, 09:39 PM
It's ok. NikosX = Nic ;)

Yeah! Thought so! Its like Nic cherpopolis/chernobyl/tatopolous or something. I remember it from when 900tvt call you out
4500 RPM
10-23-2009, 10:04 PM
Yeah! Thought so! Its like Nic cherpopolis/chernobyl/tatopolous or something. I remember it from when 900tvt call you out

Some Greek nonsense like that. :rofl
NikosX
10-23-2009, 10:51 PM
lol. Its actually Cherpopilopolous.
moroza
10-23-2009, 11:03 PM
I really want to know about swapping a servo box into a non servo car since I have one sitting around.

It works, it just leaves the Servotronic stuck on minimum boost all the time. Feels almost like manual steering when stopped, and it's nice and heavy at medium speeds (~40ish).
Steve547i
10-23-2009, 11:04 PM
I don't think anyone picked up on the tatopolous one
jetavdk
10-24-2009, 01:10 AM
M5's have steering boxes that are tied in with the pumping system of the self leveling suspension. Dont think they will interchange with non-SLS. Plus...M5 steering boxes, like other e34 steering boxes, get loose with age, primarily due to wear in the recirculating balls...pretty much a weak spot in all older e34's.

Not true, the pumps are the different (SLS-Non SLS) piece not the box. And for those of you wondering, yes you will feel the difference with the M5 box around town.
4500 RPM
10-24-2009, 01:25 AM
And for those of you wondering, yes you will feel the difference with the M5 box around town.

I never noticed, other than that the steering is heavier. The ratio difference feels pretty slight.
janders211
10-24-2009, 01:26 AM
I don't think anyone picked up on the tatopolous one
Polykronopolous?
Steve547i
10-24-2009, 01:39 AM
Polykronopolous?
http://www.scifi-movies.com/images/g/godzilla1998film/image2.jpg

matthew broderick as nick tatopoulos