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Thread: Steering wheel play.

  1. #1
    Join Date
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    Steering wheel play.

    I just recently purchased an E46 M3 and clearly it has a handling problems. The undercar inspection before purchase checked out ok. I checked for wheel play, worn suspension components the usual. When I got on the freeway the faster the car goes the more uncontrollable it gets. I ended up wrecking the right rear quarter panel. It feels like the car sways a ton. Between 20-50 mph the car feels normal. It is impossible to do an agressive lane switch on the freeway. I also own an E36 M3 and that car feels much much safer to drive. I noticed that there is steering wheel play left to right. I replaced the steering coupling and checked for play again at the wheels. There is absolutely zero play. If I move the steering wheel left and right I can see the whole shaft moving but the wheels will not move for the first inch or so. I performed a 4 wheel alignment and the alignment is pretty spot on. Any input on this would be highly appreciated. Thanks I'm advance!

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  2. #2
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    Maybe steering rack itself is shot?

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  3. #3
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    I remember learning about how BMWs (at least my E32) changes the tightness of the streeing at higher speeds for better highway handling. I wonder if a similar system is on your car and behaving incorrectly.

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  4. #4
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    Car swaying at speed? I would replace the rear trailing arm bushings as it is really hard to check the condition of those when you don't drop them out of the pocket. You might have a worn out steering rack if it doesn't move with 1" of steering input. Perfect time to do a complete suspension refresh unless you're on a budget after purchase.

  5. #5
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    I was going to replace the Rtabs just for peace of mind. The FLCAs look new with no torn bushings. Same with tie rods. I'm a bit strapped for Money since the body shop wants 5k to replace my quarter panel. I just really hope it isn't a steering rack it looks very easy to replace but I know they are a bit expensive. Thanks again for all the responses. And I'm not sure it's steering wheel changing feel since the play is present even when parked. But I'll do the Rtabs next and leave the rack for last. I'm just not very familiar with e46s as I've only ever owned e36s.


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  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by RobbieE36 View Post
    I was going to replace the Rtabs just for peace of mind. The FLCAs look new with no torn bushings. Same with tie rods. I'm a bit strapped for Money since the body shop wants 5k to replace my quarter panel. I just really hope it isn't a steering rack it looks very easy to replace but I know they are a bit expensive. Thanks again for all the responses. And I'm not sure it's steering wheel changing feel since the play is present even when parked. But I'll do the Rtabs next and leave the rack for last. I'm just not very familiar with e46s as I've only ever owned e36s.


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    You can get a rebuilt rack for $240. Easy to swap, you'll just need fluid and crush washers for banjos.
    https://shop.rackdoctor.net/2001-200...5-25889-M3.htm

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  7. #7
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    E46s are pretty similar to E36 other than motor and a little more electronics. Steering racks aren't that expensive rebuilt/remanufactured $200-$250 after core fees. My buddy from college works at a body shop in South El Monte if you want me to forward him a picture of the quarter panel damage to get a better quote. Their turn around time is probably around 3 weeks if its insurance work.

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by tofunin View Post
    E46s are pretty similar to E36 other than motor and a little more electronics. Steering racks aren't that expensive rebuilt/remanufactured $200-$250 after core fees. My buddy from college works at a body shop in South El Monte if you want me to forward him a picture of the quarter panel damage to get a better quote. Their turn around time is probably around 3 weeks if its insurance work.
    I'll get back to you on that! I've been quoted 8k but that's too damn much. All the mechanical stuff I can do myself.

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  9. #9
    M_3_X's Avatar
    M_3_X is offline Breaking Stereotypes BMW CCA Member
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    Quote Originally Posted by RobbieE36 View Post
    I'll do the Rtabs next and leave the rack for last.
    From what you’re describing, I’d look into the steering rack first.
    "If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough"
    -Mario Andretti.
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    1991 E30 325ic, AW, Black leather, Black top, three pedals.

  10. #10
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    Some questions:

    What Rear trailing arm bushings are on the car, and how many miles are on them?

    How do the sway bar bushings & end links look?

    What size and more importantly what BRAND tires are you running?

    When you say you wrecked the rear quarter panel, do you mean you attempted a high speed lane change and the car slid out unexpectedly?

    Hope to help
    2002 M3 - Current
    2003 330i - Past
    1997 M3 - Past
    2000 M5 - Past
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    1991 318is - Past

    1998 M3 - Past
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