ClassE 1989 325IS Build Thread

[ClassE]

Started replacing front tie rods last night - didn't know BMW used a lock plate to hold the inner tie rods.... Which apparently needs to be replaced since you ruin them removing the originals.

So dealership will have some for me tomorrow - car sits until then. So no alignment before Saturday. No happy about it - but not super concerned either. Rear toe looks good, car tracks straight, camber is alittle off side-to-side but not enough to worry me for 200 miles.

After the GTG.... Time for some painting and coating in the bay before Scooters.

[B C]

E36/Z3 does not use lock plates. 

I just used blue loctite on my Z3 rack and have had zero problems with it.

Ask anyone about what a sane and gentle driver I am and you will take comfort in knowing its kosher

[Earl]

Snap said:

E36/Z3 does not use lock plates. 

I just used blue loctite on my Z3 rack and have had zero problems with it.

Ask anyone about what a sane and gentle driver I am and you will take comfort in knowing its kosher

My compact uses them 

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=CG53&mospid=47505&btnr=32_0630&hg=32&fg=25

It also looks like other e36's use them

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BG13&mospid=47485&btnr=32_0630&hg=32&fg=25

[B C]

None on the Z3 though

[http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=CJ33&mospid=48094&btnr=32\_0630&hg=32&fg=25

I](http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=CJ33&mospid=48094&btnr=32_0630&hg=32&fg=25) am using E30 tie rods with the Z3 rack, there is nothing special about the Z3 rack that would aid in tie-rod retention. 

The primary reason for the lock plate from my own observation is to keep the inner tie rod from loosening during an alignment. 

But take what I say as typical forum hearsay, I was not present in the ZF steering rack design meetings to be able to know the exact reasons why. 

Im not from here.

[Earl]

lol I wasn't ripping on you Snap=) I trust your word over most things

[B C]

Oh I know, no rustlin over here. 

I want to make sure I am not feeding bad information so I do my best to backup what I say when there may be question

[andyhundley]

Earl and snap are going to fight to the death Saturday morning!

[B C]

things get tense when your project isnt finished.

[ClassE]

"Snap said..."

[jc43089]

Just to throw in my 2 cents, my 2/94 e36 steering rack has lock plates.  If you are going with just loctite, make sure you get the threads clean with brakeclean or something so that the loctite actually works.

[ClassE]

So replacement inner tie rod ends are "fatter", so not enough overhang to bend washer flanges down.... Nice.

[jc43089]

Eh, just giver!

[ClassE]

Blue loctite and DUN... Taking to work tomorrow as a test run for Saturday... Kinda worried still about the quasi-whine thing from rear.

[ClassE]

Well... Might not make GTG now on Saturday.

Broke upper bearing spring seat on coils, having pieces brought to machine shop tomorrow to hopefully remake. Long story - to angry and tired to elaborate... So pics and info tomorrow.

[ClassE]

Well - three emails back and forth to Igor already tonight (he must be up late - it's friggen 11:15pm). Bedtime - tired and sad.

[Earl]

=/ It seems to be a super simple piece so getting it machined today shouldn't be impossible. This does sucks though=(

[ClassE]

Yeah, I don't think it'll be a big deal. I'm more upset I'll have zero wheel time to troubleshoot any issues before hoping on a highway tomorrow AM. We're having both sets of parents over tomorrow night for a birthday dinner for my mom - so can't get wrenching until after that...

If it wasn't for the last minute - nothing would ever get done.

[B C]

Im in the same boat as far as driving an un-proven setup an uncomfortable distance from home. Luckily you are NA  and luckily its not too far from my house.

[wasnt m3]

If it makes it around the block, it'll make it around the world.

[jc43089]

AAA FTW, speaking of unproven cars.  I am taking my family to Alabama next week in the vert which has less than 500 miles on the swap and a bunch of other work.  Living on the edge!