Seems like theres a solid rod going between the two sides of the coupler. Such that even if the giubo sheared off the force will still be transmitted up the steering column.

Am I just hugely overthinking this now? …

 

After driving an E39 and a newer Audi I realised what was missing from my steering - that absolute solid connection between the steering and the wheels. I’m pretty sure my problem is the steering giubo, steering has a small amount of play but a general “rubbery” feeling.

umm the E39 has a rubber steering guibo too. so if E39 felt like an “absolute solid connection” that’s seems unprobable that was the reason. (*but replacing with new i’ve found if worn does improve input).

as for your main question if it’s directly related to the column safety. i do not know for certain. but have not thought that was the engineering for that process. believe steering flex disc is just an initial damper.

 

umm the E39 has a rubber steering guibo too. so if E39 felt like an “absolute solid connection” that’s seems unprobable that was the reason. (*but replacing with new i’ve found if worn does improve input).

Interesting. I can see the giubo on realoem but have never heard it mentioned as a problem on any E39 forums - even after searching. Perhaps it's built a lot more heavy duty. Doesn't help that the E46 RHD one is right next to the exhaust manifold...

The E39 felt a lot tighter wiggling the steering wheel with the car off. The E46 definitely has some rubbery-ness to it. Not complete free-play but just some give. Makes driving on the motorway a bit more tiring with making adjustments.

It seems the E90 steering shaft is just 2 u-joints and that short accordion piece. No giubo anywhere. Unless it has some collapsing mechanism on the upper section with the adjusting mechanism it seems the giubo doesn't matter. If someone can agree so I can finally put an order for a solid one!

 

If the crash is that bad that the universal joints would likely burst as theres less metal there,even if the shaft was perfectly straight the impact wouldnt be fully transfered thats my take on it.
Ps I have a solid steering coupler too and the steering is tight.

 

Could I ask which one you got? Any trouble installing it?

 

i have a loose steering coupler.

that is all. no help here... just a little to the left and a little to the right.... and a little to the left...

 

I've seen modified couplers that remove the guibo that are meant for those who want extra clearance (i.e. turbo manifold). such as this:

Pardon our interruption...

Also this:

AKG Motorsport Billet Steering Coupling (E36/E46 inc M3) - Hack Engineering

AKG's Aluminium Steering Shaft Coupling replaces the stock rubber coupling for most precise steering feedback possible. Buy today at Hack Engineering.

www.hackengineering.co.uk

But note what they mention:

 

I've seen that but it seems on the M3Cutters forum that people have had generally good experiences with solid couplers, and NVH hasn't been increased too noticeably.

I think I'm going to go for it. The corrugated shaft section is definitely the "collapsible" component here, so no safety concerns anymore

Worst case scenario I get a used one off ebay for £20 and put it back

 

would be interested to know if the E90 fits the E46... rather than those "solid couplers"

 

Very interesting. I'll try to get some measurements of the E46 RHD steering shaft, and maybe someone else could get some of the E90 one.

It seems unlikely though, there's no telescoping movement in the shaft so the length would have to be almost the same to fit.

 

I have an E46 RHD here as a decorative item if you want measurements

 

I have an E46 RHD here as a decorative item if you want measurements
View attachment 978374

Nice looking, not very functional, paperweight.
Haven't got an E90 one so measurements won't be much use :'(

I've heard online of people hammering the rivets so they spread and take up the slack in the rubber coupling. Is that possible on the RHD one from what you can see? Seems like it wouldn't be because of the metal shield.

Also using your expert intuition and analysis, how would the shaft react to a crash? Do you think the coupling would split? How weak does that corrugated section seem?

 

I've been meaning to install the solid coupler I have.
I also have reservations on the safety factor - the rubber can obviously shear if needed in the OEM set up.

Poly is an option, but the shear level will be higher than rubber but less than aluminum, and it'll still wear out eventually. I've not really seen post crash pics of a solid set up, and by the design of the telescope, that should collapse anyway before a shear situation

What I did to make myself feel better was low grade/shear bolts on the coupling - basically make the bolts the weak link without them being a wear item if you will

 

I've been meaning to install the solid coupler I have.
I also have reservations on the safety factor - the rubber can obviously shear if needed in the OEM set up.

Poly is an option, but the shear level will be higher than rubber but less than aluminum, and it'll still wear out eventually. I've not really seen post crash pics of a solid set up, and by the design of the telescope, that should collapse anyway before a shear situation

What I did to make myself feel better was low grade/shear bolts on the coupling - basically make the bolts the weak link without them being a wear item if you will

I wouldn't worry at all on LHD models, the telescoping section is huge and you can see the nylon rivets on the side

Will certainly collapse in an accident

 

I'm on the same boat as you.
I'm on RHD and been meaning to install the exact same one as you posted earlier.
I have the same concerns as I drive 40 miles per day and often have my baby and wife in the car, so safety is a massive concern for me.
I will keep an eye on this thread.

 

You can see post #50 here

One of my favorite mods... - Page 2

Bimmerforums is the preferred online BMW Forum and community for BMW owners. At Bimmerforums, you will find technical how-to information maintenance specifics audio advice wheel and tire combinations and model specific details not found anywhere else. Our professionals are here to help make...

www.bimmerforums.com

I think that, combined with the fact that the coupler has an aluminium rod which means it cannot separate without the influence of an angle grinder, means that it is not designed to collapse in an accident. That is the function of the corrugated section.

 

Just saw this video. Interesting seeing how the corrugated section crumbles

 

There is more feedback through the steering i would say i could identify/describe the road surface in detail in the wet you feel the loss of grip before it shows in the handling.The steering is really accurate to about an inch when judging pot holes or other stuff.I find it gives me more confidence in the handling its precise no slop or delay.

 

Just reviving this thread as I'm getting close to the point where I either need to go OEM or grab an aftermarket one, however I heard some people saying to get the ones from a E39 or e34, they seem to not have the rubber section and would fit the E46 RHD.
I'm looking for parts to compare.

 

Just reviving this thread as I'm getting close to the point where I either need to go OEM or grab an aftermarket one, however I heard some people saying to get the ones from a E39 or e34, they seem to not have the rubber section and would fit the E46 RHD.
I'm looking for parts to compare.

E34 ones were recommended on the E36.

None are direct fit onto E46 afaik. Solid steering coupler from ebay is the best way to go, with some red threadlock.

 

Since this thread is revived anyway - I pressed out and installed new u-joints on the steering shaft, and a solid steering coupler.

Steering feels much much more solid, and the solid steering coupler added no noticeable NVH at all.

I have maybe +/- 4mm play at the wheel now, and a bit more at centre. Not perfect but a lot better.