[Mk2] [Generic] BMW E30 steering rack on MR2 SW20

[Bo]

I just wanted to say that I fitted E30 bmw steering rack to my mr2. Why? cause I cannot get a toyota rack, here in Latvia MR2 is a very rare car, and definitely nothing in junk yards.
To fit E30 rack you have to use a dremel and remove the original bracket that holds the rack. then just weld a piece of metal with a hole to hold the rack and bolt through. The joint upwards from pinion is different teeth number, but currently its clamped and holds fine. bmw tie rod ends fit perfectly.
Its kind of a good modification because E30 racks are available everywhere for 20-40 Eur, while Toyota racks - a problem to find.

p.s. I have manual steering rack.

[Quigonjay]

nice to know we can rely on the germans if the japs fail
job well done sir

[djpkins]

thats pukka mate...well done....if it lets you down, I can send you a rack thats just been reconditioned.

[Bo]

thats pukka mate...well done....if it lets you down, I can send you a rack thats just been reconditioned.

well RHD doesnt fit me, the wheels would turn opposite direction. that would mean i have to order quaife LHD rack internals. previous owner did order that, but they sent RHD quaife internals, and i just dont have time to collect the rack by bits.. i know that RHD racks are available cheaply from UK, but im in a LHD country, and LHD racks are much less available..

i`ll take pics soon, but on internet there are plenty rack images that show how similar the racks are:

E30 & z3 rack:


mr2 rack:


p.s. there are also other rack swaps performed - VW non-PS racks are similar and have been previously fitted (here in Latvia for autocross purposes). also I checked in junk yard, some Ford (e.g. escort) racks are also similar to MR2, but the pinion was way different and i would have to make a new joint..