Questions on replacing F10 rack and pinion

**Kfowler8** · 01-20-2020, 04:51 PM

Hi all,

Well turns out as expected from my other thread, I damaged the rack and pinion when lowering it off the jack. So it needs to be replaced. I'll be doing this job myself and have some questions.

Details:

2013 535i (vin#:WBAFR7C50DC823738) 76k mils on it.

1.) I'm about 99% certain I do not have Active steering. I believe it's just the standard EPS. I don't see anything special listed on my vin specs but I wanted to confirm before ordering the part. Can anyone verify or how can I make sure?

2.) Due to the cost I'll probably be getting a used one. I'm looking at car-parts.com. I've never bought used parts like this. Any suggestions? Should I buy A grade? What about year? Does it really matter? A place about 70 miles from me has one.

3.) If I'm not replacing the EPS module, does the new rack still need to be reprogrammed?

4.) I assume when I'm finished I'll need to have the alignment checked. Correct?

Anything else to be aware of?

Thanks for the help.

Kevin

**dworthy** · 01-21-2020, 02:19 AM

Kevin,

1) I would check with these guys, as I have found them very helpful in the past: www.getbmwminipartstore.com They have been very quick to answer vin questions I've had in the past, so shoot them an email.
2) Used is always good if it comes with a warranty. As for the year, it should be from MY-10 thru MY-16 non LCI.
3) The rack contains the ESP module, not sure if you can swap it over. If not, then I think it will have to be re-coded to your car.
4) Yes getting an alignment is a must.

Also carefully inspect the inner and outer tie rods for any play, for this would be a great time to replace them if you notice any. Sometime on removal, they can bust the boots on the tie rod ends, so look closely at the rubber.

**Kfowler8** · 01-21-2020, 07:05 PM

Thanks for the reference. I'll check them out.

I always thought the black cap thing attached to the rack and pinion was the servo motor. I thought the actual module was located somewhere else but I could be totally wrong.