1981 Euro - Excessive steering play

[Alfisti]

Once again, I appeal to the collective wisdom here. I just picked up the 81 Euro (pictures to follow, not a dogleg) and there is a LOT of play in the wheel. I have to drive it 400 miles tomorrow, is there anything I can check? I was thinking of the steering box adjustment, but after looking at it, I'm certain it has not been adjusted in 30 years.

Its on the edge of dangerous. I can drive it home this way, but I won't enjoy it that much.

Help!

[Bentsdl]

Congratulations with your purchase! How's the car? Looking forward to the pics.

I would start by checking all balljoints and pivot points in the steering link from steer to wheels.

http://static.bmwfans.info/images/epc/Mzc5M19w.png

As you can see there are 6 balljoints and 2 pivot points (#3) See if they are al without play and properly tightened. Then check the link from the steering shaft to the steering box, and also the tightness of all connections:
http://static.bmwfans.info/images/epc/MzgxMF9w.png

If all looks good it could be a worn steering box, I don't know if it's possible to adjust for that. I believe the adjustment screws are there to control the functioning of the powersteering.

[Taylor Marshall]

Most likely is a broken steering box bracket. Next possibility is a shredded steering column guibo. Both are extremely dangerous to drive with . Don't do it.

[Bert Poliakoff]

IIRC the e12 chassis has a different steering box mount which is much more substantial then the E28 cars. As was previously mentioned, check all steering linkag and ba;; jpoints. If that car doesn't have a dog leg, I would check the rear diff artio. If it is a 3.07 your are way underdriven with an o/d gear box

[Bentsdl]

IIRC the e12 chassis has a different steering box mount which is much more substantial then the E28 cars. As was previously mentioed, check all steering linkag and ba;; jpoints. If that car doesn't have a dog leg, I would check the rear diff artio. If it is a 3.07 your are way underdriven with an o/d gear box

Hm, underdriven with a o/d gearbox in combination with a 3.07 diff? I currently have a o/d and a 3.45 final drive but I plan to swap the diff with a 3.07 unit. It's more than fast enough and I'd like the revs to go down on the highway. It will be a little more economic too I presume.

I have to agree with Taylor though, I recall that I've read about a broken steeringbox mount on a E12 based six as well.

[Bert Poliakoff]

Hey Bent, a 3.45 is not that much gearing on an OD box. That 3.07 is great for AutoBahn running. Ideal ratio is 3.63 with an 0/d box but I don't think you wil;l ever see that for a side loader

[Alfisti]

408 mile drive home, no drama at all. 3000 RPM in 5th showed about 85 MPH.

Must rest, photos (and oh, so many questions) to follow.

One question, what is the green button for (Heinz something?), and what is the knob low and to the right of the steering wheel for? Also, the button just below that knob.

[Bentsdl]

408 mile drive home, no drama at all. 3000 RPM in 5th showed about 85 MPH.

Must rest, photos (and oh, so many questions) to follow.

One question, what is the green button for (Heinz something?), and what is the knob low and to the right of the steering wheel for? Also, the button just below that knob.

Good to hear you arrived well, did you check the steering box bracked before you left?

The green button with "Heiz Scheibe" next to it is the rear window heater switch. It's German for something like Heat Slice or plate.
the knob on the right of the steering wheel (you mean the big one that can be pulled out?) is for the rear foglights. It only works if you have the running lights on.

Looking forward to the pics.

[Alfisti]

Bentsdl - Thank you. Yes, I triple checked the box bracket, it was solid as a rock.

Glad to know I have a rear defroster, must see if it works.

I see the switch for the foglights (car does not have foglights, though). I am wondering about the twisty knob below that. Same knob as the lights, but turns. I was thinking dash light dimmer, but it isn't. And below that is what looks like a circuit breaker?

[Bentsdl]

Bentsdl - Thank you. Yes, I triple checked the box bracket, it was solid as a rock.

Glad to know I have a rear defroster, must see if it works.

I see the switch for the foglights (car does not have foglights, though). I am wondering about the twisty knob below that. Same knob as the lights, but turns. I was thinking dash light dimmer, but it isn't. And below that is what looks like a circuit breaker?

So you mean you have 3 knobs like the one that controls the lights?
Left from the steering wheel (reads Licht, means Light in German) is:
First click - city lights
Fecon click - low beams
Turning this knob will dim all dash lights

Right from the steering wheel (reads Nebel, means fog in German):
Only one click: rear fog lights (you must have them, they were standard)

The third I don't know, please make a pic, I don't have a third. You don't happen to mean the 'knob' next (left) to the radio right? Because that's just the cigarette lighter. :D

On the panel below the steering wheel is indeed a circuit breaker that supplies power to the 4 windows.