E92 Steering Rack Problems

[Fat Tony]

My steering was making a creaking/cracking noise when turning right at slow speeds so I decided to take my car in to BMW Sytner Birmingham. After diagnosis they said the rack is seizing and recommended replacement. After picking myself up off the floor I asked the service gent to repeat the quote for repair again. I heard right first time.........£3400!!

My question is does this seem excessive? Can it be done cheaper elsewhere? Are there any other options?

Cheers

Tony

[Superman001]

Just had a look on ebay and a used steering rack with pipes can be had for 120 so I don't know how they can charge 3400 to fix yours.

[Fat Tony]

Yeah had a look on ebay also but have been told by 'specialists' that it is impossible to fit a 2nd hand steering rack due to programming etc??? I don't know how true that is but have been told the same from several people.

I'm going to ask main dealer for break down of the price. As far as I am aware a new rack is £1200 so in excess of £2k to fit is ridiculous.

[Superman001]

I would say you need to speak to a good independant BMW specialist and ask how many hours labour to fit the new rack.

At 100 pounds an hour there's no way it would take 20 hours for them to justify 2200 for labour.

[Fat Tony]

Ok, I've had the problem with my rack diagnosed. Apparently it's the pinion!?! Anyway my questions are

1. Can the rack be taken out and repaired and if so where that is local to the West Midlands?

2. Main dealer want silly money for a new rack fitted. So is there an independent specialist that can do the dame job for less?

Many thanks

[Guest Mister Dabsy]

TBH you may as well get a recon rack !

After removing yours for repair you'd be paying about the same but waiting longer !

[Fat Tony]

I was thinking recon rack but have heard there may be programming issues. Is this correct or will any e92 rack work on any e92?

Cheers

[Guest Mister Dabsy]

Why not? ;)

[Josh1a1h]

WOW i would have fallen to the floor if i had heard that quote from BMW!

i definitely would have told them to 'do one'!

Dropping the rack is not that difficult!

[Guest Mister Dabsy]

Just disconnect the battery BEFORE the transplant and the computers will be none-the-wiser !!

[mustang_john]

Your local Unipart might abe to send your unit to AMK for a recon, worth a try?

[Fat Tony]

Cheers for the advice people. Bought a rack of an accident damaged and all appears to be sound apart from one issue which I will start a new thread for.

Thanks