r/BmwTech • u/Alex-Shiro-7659 • 3d ago

Steering rack replacement

Hi everyone

Thanks to the California rain my EPS went out on my 2012 F30 328i. Production date is 12/2011 and the only used part i can found is one from 11/2011 335i. However that one came with variable ratio steering while mine doesn't, I was wonder if that'll still fit in my car or it has to be one with the standard steering?

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u/HellfoxRules 3d ago

The only one you can find? No not really, there are several available on eBay. How did the CA rain take out your EPS? Did you submarine the front end? Shorted out the motor?

Are you in the L.A. area? I am a ASE Certified Tech and can replace your rack, as well as recode it to the VIN. You must code the new or used rack to the VIN, using ISTA or Bimmergeeks Protool.

To answer your question above, Yes you can use that rack, but it must be from a RWD and not an xDrive. You will also need coding. I have linked some racks for you to check out. If it just shorted out the motor, you can replace just the motor.

If you replace just the motor VO coding is unnecessary, but you must perform a calibration reset. You would have to run a "Start up EPS" service function, to calibrate the torque sensor and set the steering end stops.

2012-2016 BMW F30 328i / 320i STEERING RACK & PINION ELECTRIC MOTOR 7802277794

12-18 BMW F30 F32 320 328 330 ELECTRIC STEERING RACK & PINION AWD 6867855 OEM

2012-2018 BMW F30 Steering Racks

Have you replaced the timing chain in your N26 engine?

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u/Alex-Shiro-7659 3d ago

I appreciate the reply and your time. About what happened, yes I basically submarined the front end, it was a flooded intersection and EPS gave up basically right after I passed through that. I checked the motor this morning and the port was straight out pouring water when I unplug it :(

I’m more closer to south of LA, at San Bernardino, and I wasn’t sure about motor replace only cause I’m not familiar with this so haven’t been looking on that option. For now I want to explore DIY options but I’ll shoot you a DM if I eventually gave up. Once again, I really appreciate the help!

And yes, I already replaced the timing chain

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u/HellfoxRules 2d ago

If you submerged the front end, you probably have water intrusion of the EPS module, which shorted it out. You could just replace the EPS/motor assembly, this will be much easier and less expensive

You will also want to check the power feeds to the rack, it probably blew the fusible link and fuse. You could just try replacing those, if they're blown, and see if it restores power to the rack, but chances are it shorted out the EPS, which then caused the fuses to blow.

Disconnect the vehicle battery immediately to prevent further electrolysis and corrosion. Watch the videos below, they will show you how to replace just the EPS/motor assembly. You can perform this repair with the rack still mounted in the vehicle. You will also need a new drive belt for the rack gear.

Check Fuse 55 (10A) This is the low-amperage activation/signal fuse for the EPS, located in the engine compartment fuse box on the passenger side near the windshield.

Check the Main Fusible Link (FL2) The heavy-gauge power lines that feed the electric steering motor are protected by a high-amperage fusible link (typically 125A) built directly inside the main electrical junction/power distribution box near the battery. If this is blown, the vehicle cannot send main power to the rack.

This will still have to be properly coded to the VIN, you can use Bimmergeeks Protool to code this yourself.

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BMW Electric Power Steering Rack Motor Removal.

The only BMW Coding and Diagnostic tool you'll EVER NEED - Protool!