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Thread: Converting Your E85/E86 to Hydraulic Steering

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
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    FL
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    Turbo '03 Z4 3.0i 6MT

    Converting Your E85/E86 to Hydraulic Steering

    This is all a direct swap into M54-powered cars. For N52 cars (3.0si), you may be able to use a LUK LF30 power steering pump from an E90 with an E36/E46 steering rack and ATF fluid. The LUK LF30 was used in some early E46s with ATF, and in E9X models with CHF11S.Parts you will need:


    Steering Column/Shaft:
    Z4 M Intermediate shaft
    Part #32307836809 (LHD)
    Part #32307836811 (RHD)
    You will need this piece to connect the steering rack pinion to the steering column. The Z4 M one is meant to connect to the hydraulic rack pinions. The standard Z4 intermediate shaft will not fit onto the hydraulic steering rack. You'll save a lot of money buying it used.


    Z4 M steering column
    Part #32307841203 (LHD)
    Part #32307841204 (RHD)
    Not required but preferable. Also much cheaper to buy used. The Z4 M steering column doesn't have the electric-assist drive built into it.




    Rack and Pump:
    Z3/E36/E46/Z4 M steering rack
    I used an E46 3-series steering rack because it is the most easily-available.


    LUK LF20 power steering pump (M54 Engine)
    Part #32416760034
    Buy a used or aftermarket one unless you have a thick wallet.


    LUK LF30 power steering pump (N52 Engine)
    Part #32416769887


    Hoses/Lines:
    High-pressure line from pump to rack (LHD, M54 engine)
    Part #32416774215


    High-pressure line from pump to rack (LHD, N52 engine)
    Part #32416764725


    Power steering cooler loop
    Part #17111436262
    You will most likely need to use an aftermarket cooler with AN fittings due to fitment issues with the E46 cooler loop in the Z4.


    Line from reservoir to pump
    Part #32416750155


    Cooler return line
    Part #32416796390




    Fluid Reservoir and Bracket:
    Fluid reservoir
    Part #32416851217


    Reservoir mounting bracket (M54 and N52)
    Part #32411128333


    Mounting bracket (additional, needed for N52 along with the above one)
    Part #32416768096
    Last edited by VladBelsky; 01-01-2019 at 06:56 PM.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
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    My Cars
    2004 Z4R 06&12 Cooper S
    Vlad,

    I assume you have done this conversion.
    What was the price for the parts and how long did the conversion take?

    Quote Originally Posted by VladBelsky View Post
    This is all a direct swap into M54-powered cars. For N52 cars (3.0si), you may be able to use a LUK LF30 power steering pump from an E90 with an E36/E46 steering rack and ATF fluid. The LUK LF30 was used in some early E46s with ATF, and in E9X models with CHF11S.Parts you will need:


    Steering Column/Shaft:
    Z4 M Intermediate shaft
    Part #32307836809 (LHD)
    Part #32307836811 (RHD)
    You will need this piece to connect the steering rack pinion to the steering column. The Z4 M one is meant to connect to the hydraulic rack pinions. The standard Z4 intermediate shaft will not fit onto the hydraulic steering rack. You'll save a lot of money buying it used.


    Z4 M steering column
    Part #32307841203 (LHD)
    Part #32307841204 (RHD)
    Not required but preferable. Also much cheaper to buy used. The Z4 M steering column doesn't have the electric-assist drive built into it.




    Rack and Pump:
    Z3/E36/E46/Z4 M steering rack
    I used an E46 3-series steering rack because it is the most easily-available.


    LUK LF20 power steering pump (M54 Engine)
    Part #32416760034
    Buy a used or aftermarket one unless you have a thick wallet.


    LUK LF30 power steering pump (N52 Engine)
    Part #32416769887


    Hoses/Lines:
    High-pressure line from pump to rack (LHD, M54 engine)
    Part #32416774215


    High-pressure line from pump to rack (LHD, N52 engine)
    Part #32416764725


    Power steering cooler loop
    Part #17111436262
    You will most likely need to use an aftermarket cooler with AN fittings due to fitment issues with the E46 cooler loop in the Z4.


    Line from reservoir to pump
    Part #32416750155


    Cooler return line
    Part #32416796390




    Fluid Reservoir and Bracket:
    Fluid reservoir
    Part #32416851217


    Reservoir mounting bracket (M54 and N52)
    Part #32411128333


    Mounting bracket (additional, needed for N52 along with the above one)
    Part #32416768096
    04R 3l 6 sp VF SC, custom ducting, alphaN, 2.62 pulley, multiport WMI,Severn Tuning(Pokeybritches), Tial BPV,Ceramic header, magnaflow section 1, SS race muffler/y-pipe, megan mounts,42 design catch can, CDV delete ,custom strut bar,3.91 LSD, H&R bars, Hotchkis links.Eibach Pro Kit,Koni Yellows.Megan camber arms. Carbon interior,SSK,UUC lines.CF aero. Poly bushings.

  3. #3
    Join Date
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    2001 525it
    Why

  4. #4
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    Philadelphia, PA
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    2005 M3 & 2004 330i
    Quote Originally Posted by jclausen View Post
    Why
    Hydraulic feels better and is more reliable. And since the parts come off an e46 for the most part, most of the components can be had very cheap. So it makes some sense to do if the EPS system fails.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
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    Canada
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    2004 Z4R 06&12 Cooper S
    Quote Originally Posted by jclausen View Post
    Why
    Quote Originally Posted by TerraPhantm View Post
    Hydraulic feels better and is more reliable. And since the parts come off an e46 for the most part, most of the components can be had very cheap. So it makes some sense to do if the EPS system fails.
    Yes and because EPS is numb with zero feedback from the road.
    The chassis deserves hydraulic steering
    04R 3l 6 sp VF SC, custom ducting, alphaN, 2.62 pulley, multiport WMI,Severn Tuning(Pokeybritches), Tial BPV,Ceramic header, magnaflow section 1, SS race muffler/y-pipe, megan mounts,42 design catch can, CDV delete ,custom strut bar,3.91 LSD, H&R bars, Hotchkis links.Eibach Pro Kit,Koni Yellows.Megan camber arms. Carbon interior,SSK,UUC lines.CF aero. Poly bushings.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2016
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    Ca
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    2001 525it
    Is far as failure we have never had to replace an electric steering rack and I have been involved with BMW's for about 15 years. It just seems like lot of money and time for this mod

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Oxnard, CA
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    498
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    VF Z4, G-Power/ESS Z4Ms
    Quote Originally Posted by jclausen View Post
    Is far as failure we have never had to replace an electric steering rack and I have been involved with BMW's for about 15 years. It just seems like lot of money and time for this mod
    Many early Z4’s are afflicted with “sticky steering”, and I would consider this to be a failure since the only solution is a new rack. A hydraulic setup has the added benefit of more feel.
    VF Engineering Z4 3.0i | ESS VT2-500 Z4M | G-Power SK I Z4M | 996tt

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Location
    ireland
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    1993 e32
    Quote Originally Posted by jclausen View Post
    Is far as failure we have never had to replace an electric steering rack and I have been involved with BMW's for about 15 years. It just seems like lot of money and time for this mod
    My Mons ESR was replaced twice on her E85 and cost a few grand each time.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Clarksville, Tennessee
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    12
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    00-740i,98-540i,00-540i
    I did this conversion and I love it.....

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Apr 2020
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    california
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    2008 Z4 3.0SI
    Anyone offer this service near southern california. Miss the feel of my E46 steering.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
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    usa
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    1999 BMW Z3
    Quote Originally Posted by dbarton62 View Post
    Yes and because EPS is numb with zero feedback from the road.
    The chassis deserves hydraulic steering
    My 2003 isn't numb and has as much feedback as anybody would ever need. I feel the cracks, potholes and yellow paint lines just like every other car. What am I missing?

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
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    Victoria BC Canada
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    2004 Z4, 1700 Nomad MC
    Absolutely nothing....


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  13. #13
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    2004 Z4, 1700 Nomad MC
    Ohhh... and there is a method pioneered by the Germans which involves adjusting the ..lash.. I think it is. While I haven’t done it, it’s actually a relatively very simple procedure. There are posts on this... costs absolutely nothing (cost of hex wrench) and does not involve removing steering column to do so.

    So... no failure of EPS IN Z4’s (sticky steering is very annoying I grant you... I have it)

    And... no wasting of your time and money doing a very invasive procedure.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  14. #14
    Join Date
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    1997 328iC, 2003 Z4
    If EPS is so great why doesn't the M version have it?

  15. #15
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    06 M Roadster Red/Blk
    Quote Originally Posted by B328iC View Post
    If EPS is so great why doesn't the M version have it?
    I don't think folks are arguing EPS "is so great" just that it isn't worth the cost:benefit to do the upgrade to the M's version.

  16. #16
    Join Date
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    1997 328iC, 2003 Z4
    The list look fairly complete. BUT do you have to re-code the car for the change?

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Oct 2019
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    Munich
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    BMW Z3 2.8 1999
    Quote Originally Posted by VladBelsky View Post
    This is all a direct swap into M54-powered cars. For N52 cars (3.0si), you may be able to use a LUK LF30 power steering pump from an E90 with an E36/E46 steering rack and ATF fluid. The LUK LF30 was used in some early E46s with ATF, and in E9X models with CHF11S.Parts you will need:


    Steering Column/Shaft:
    Z4 M Intermediate shaft
    Part #32307836809 (LHD)
    Part #32307836811 (RHD)
    You will need this piece to connect the steering rack pinion to the steering column. The Z4 M one is meant to connect to the hydraulic rack pinions. The standard Z4 intermediate shaft will not fit onto the hydraulic steering rack. You'll save a lot of money buying it used.


    Z4 M steering column
    Part #32307841203 (LHD)
    Part #32307841204 (RHD)
    Not required but preferable. Also much cheaper to buy used. The Z4 M steering column doesn't have the electric-assist drive built into it.




    Rack and Pump:
    Z3/E36/E46/Z4 M steering rack
    I used an E46 3-series steering rack because it is the most easily-available.


    LUK LF20 power steering pump (M54 Engine)
    Part #32416760034
    Buy a used or aftermarket one unless you have a thick wallet.


    LUK LF30 power steering pump (N52 Engine)
    Part #32416769887


    Hoses/Lines:
    High-pressure line from pump to rack (LHD, M54 engine)
    Part #32416774215


    High-pressure line from pump to rack (LHD, N52 engine)
    Part #32416764725


    Power steering cooler loop
    Part #17111436262
    You will most likely need to use an aftermarket cooler with AN fittings due to fitment issues with the E46 cooler loop in the Z4.


    Line from reservoir to pump
    Part #32416750155


    Cooler return line
    Part #32416796390




    Fluid Reservoir and Bracket:
    Fluid reservoir
    Part #32416851217


    Reservoir mounting bracket (M54 and N52)
    Part #32411128333


    Mounting bracket (additional, needed for N52 along with the above one)
    Part #32416768096
    Hey!
    I have a question, maybe you could help me, do you know if there is any difference between these two?
    Steering Column/Shaft:
    Z4 M Intermediate shaft
    Part #32307836809 (LHD)
    Part #32307836811 (RHD)
    I have a LHD car and I got hold of a RHD part, I couldn't find any picture in which these 2 are different, nor any reason or schematic for which they should be different.

    Thanks a lot for your input! If all goes well, hydraulic steering will be up and running this summer.

  18. #18
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    06 M Roadster Red/Blk
    So what did this cost to purchase all the parts?

  19. #19
    Join Date
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    2004 Z4R 06&12 Cooper S
    For sh$ts n giggle$ I threw the part numbers into ECS. When there were options for parts, I went mid range for parts costing over $100 , parts under $100 I went OEM BMW.
    This includes a brand new OEM column.

    Parts cost was $2,400
    04R 3l 6 sp VF SC, custom ducting, alphaN, 2.62 pulley, multiport WMI,Severn Tuning(Pokeybritches), Tial BPV,Ceramic header, magnaflow section 1, SS race muffler/y-pipe, megan mounts,42 design catch can, CDV delete ,custom strut bar,3.91 LSD, H&R bars, Hotchkis links.Eibach Pro Kit,Koni Yellows.Megan camber arms. Carbon interior,SSK,UUC lines.CF aero. Poly bushings.

  20. #20
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    z3
    I wonder how many of those parts interchange with an E46 and could be easily and cheaply obtained at a junkyard these days? Most of them sans the steering linkage itself, I'd wager

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