An important parts vendor nomenclature thing:

I see websites claiming things like OEM, OEMS, rebuilt and/or remanufactured.

It's the later that gets my ire most of the time. I'm old school and besides being BMW trained, I'm also Bosch trained. Back when Bosch actually was a magnificent company, they sold "remanufactured" alternators, starters, injection pumps etc. The process of methodically rebuilding everything and/or installing (most often) completely new parts inside was magnificent. So much so, that a new part had a 12 month warranty and the reman part had a 24 month warranty. Most often to include free towing. Unheard of at the time.

FF to the 21st. century and those terms are tossed around very easily so you......buy the parts from them.
I dare say that 90% of the racks out there are just "Rebuilt" and not "Remanufactured". The former being a teardown, inspection, new seals and out the door.

Out there anymore I currently have two choices to offer my customers: A dealer rack, which most of the time (If/when available ??) is usually remanufactured. Albeit at a dealer price threshold.
Then the Bosch rebuilt racks, of which I've had decent luck with so far.

You're wise asking here. Experience is a good teacher. There's a lot of such here in the collective.

Hate: Remanufactured moniker applied incorrectly. Rant OFF.

 

This 👆👆👆

But also (if it fits you e46): BMW Remanufactured Power Steering Rack - Bosch ZF 32136755065

 

Remanufactured in the aviation world means exactly that. The part is sent back to the original manufacturer and rebuilt with a crap load of new parts then goes through the same quality control checks as a new part, so much so that it is every bit as good as a brand new component.

Since cars don't fall out of the sky the manufacturers can get away with all kinds of fancy wording.

 

Remanufactured in the aviation world means exactly that. The part is sent back to the original manufacturer and rebuilt with a crap load of new parts then goes through the same quality control checks as a new part, so much so that it is every bit as good as a brand new component.

Since cars don't fall out of the sky the manufacturers can get away with all kinds of fancy wording.

True, however I think most of the blame falls onto the multiple online vendors....?

 

I went with a Bosch remanufactured ZF rack from FCP Euro. Price was right and the quality was excellent. No complaints at all with this part.
BMW 325i Parts | FCP Euro

 

I am and have been a toolmaker for the last 46 years and it piss`s me off when they say "remanufactured. " / "re built, "
Nothing is Re-Ground at all to make the new seals sit properly and will wear out very quickly indeed.
Rubbing down with abrasive cloth is NOT a "RE " anything but just a get you home and is crap !!!
The same also goes for brake calipers too.
Think about it !!

Mart.

 

I am and have been a toolmaker for the last 46 years and it piss`s me off when they say "remanufactured. " / "re built, "
Nothing is Re-Ground at all to make the new seals sit properly and will wear out very quickly indeed.
Rubbing down with abrasive cloth is NOT a "RE " anything but just a get you home and is crap !!!
The same also goes for brake calipers too.
Think about it !!

Mart.

Having worked on fighter jets and some high quality components over the years, I (you) get it.

 

 

 

stay away from those rebuilt by TRW, unless you want unexplainable shitty handling

 

Don't ZF offer their own restored racks? Just make sure you get the rack with the tag you want

 

Listen to MrMCar. I bought a Maval like a retard and the rack was garbage. It binded at full lock. Got a Bosch reman from rockauto since they had it for the best price.

 

However, remanufactured aviation parts have a lot more liability involved and not to mention that an FAA Airframe and Powerplant mechanic can get put in hot water for installing certain parts without FAA PMA approval stamps.

Do not order a cardone, had a rebuild last not even a year. Get the Bosch/ZF and save yourself from doing the job twice like I did. Been lasting over two years now on my 323ci.

 

Have any of you purchased from BMW PARTS | BMW PERFORMANCE PARTS | ZNM PERFORMANCE They are recommending MAVAL unit as the steering rack.

 

dont get a maval. i had to swap mine out immediately after because it was binding. got a bosch from rockauto. no problems.

 

Let me know what you think about BMW Steering Rack & Pinion - E46 - 325xi, 330xi 2001-2005

 

Let me know what you think about BMW Steering Rack & Pinion - E46 - 325xi, 330xi 2001-2005

Pricey

 

I ve done used racks from LQK off Ebay an they worked great for cheap

 

OEM racks come with good boots an tie rods, plug an play