Power steering pump upgrade to LF-30, possible?

[NewB2Beemer]

The power steering on our 2000 323i has been occasionally acting up so I decided to replace it with a rebuilt one. It has the old style LF-20 pump and the matching hoses. I was under the impression that I can get an LF-30 and a new high pressure hose to have an "upgraded" pump. Now I have the parts, pulled the old pump and see that the rear bracket is different. It looks like I need to order a new rear bracket (PN: 32 42 1 438 610, probably new bolts too) but will the holes on my block match up with the new bracket? Or should I just return the pump and get an LF-20 one?

Same as what this person posted: https://www.spiffygoose.com/en/posts...-lf30-upgrade/

[E39 Newbie]

The power steering on our 2000 323i has been occasionally acting up so I decided to replace it with a rebuilt one. It has the old style LF-20 pump and the matching hoses. I was under the impression that I can get an LF-30 and a new high pressure hose to have an "upgraded" pump. Now I have the parts, pulled the old pump and see that the rear bracket is different. It looks like I need to order a new rear bracket (PN: 32 42 1 438 610, probably new bolts too) but will the holes on my block match up with the new bracket? Or should I just return the pump and get an LF-20 one?

Same as what this person posted: https://www.spiffygoose.com/en/posts...-lf30-upgrade/

Interesting, as it's getting time to replace my pump, too. Let's see if anybody chimes in.

[NewB2Beemer]

https://www.e46fanatics.com/threads/...lf-30.1119219/

A mechanic did the swap for this guy, looks like the bracket is needed and it eventually fits. Also mentions some bolts that are needed.

(07119912604 and 07119912535 are the bolts required for the LF30).

Would be nice to hear from someone who did the upgrade him/her-self.

[NewB2Beemer]

I pulled an LF-30 style pump at the local wrecking yard and put the bracket on the LF-30 I got from the Rock. I could bolt it to the block without issues using the bolts I removed from the donor vehicle. The mounting bolts look the same but I have not tried using the ones from the LF-20. I will put back everything this week. I got new hoses, reservoir all around and installing an inline filter also.

One thing I noticed that the the front bracket is much thicker and sturdy for the LF-20 and I was wondering if using just that front bracket will hold the pump adequately or the absent rear bracket will cause vibration or breakage. Also if you are handy you can bend a rear bracket from a piece of metal if you want to try.

So for the an LF-20 to LF-30 upgrade you need a new LF-30 specific pressure line and the mounting brackets for the LF-30 style pump. The top left mounting bolt will now go in from the front and screw into the rear bracket instead of from the back screwing into the front bracket.

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[BasilRathbone]

I'm in the middle of trying to upgrade to a Meyle LF-30. I definitly need to change brackets and may need to add a nut and lock washer to the longer bracket to engine bolt. The shorter bracket to engine bolt may need shortening and while the three bracket to pump bolts are longer than needed, they won't be an issue with this particular pump.

The pressure line from pump to ZF needs to be replaced but everythig else is easy peasy.

[NewB2Beemer]

I was not sure if the old bolts were working or not. Since I pulled the complete unit in the pick and pull I just used the brackets and the bolts I pulled. The pump I used was a Cardone rebuilt from RockAuto.

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