Headache with lower part of steering column.

[sinenarockandroll]

A month ago I was realy happy, I thought I finally completed all I needed to put a power steering to my 323i
Had the rack, the hydraulic lines, the fluid reservoir, the pump ant the bracket.

Then when I was looking at the parts diagram of the car found the lower part of the steering column is different on a manual steering than in a powered steering
But worst of all is that BMW says they don't produce that part any more !

¿What can I do?

Does anyone know a Dealer that might have the "lower part of the steering column"?
Is there any modification I can make to my original (manual) steering column ?

[Jeroen]

Yep, it's shorter because the power steering rack requires more space. I'd suggest to find a used example. Place a 'wanted' ad here or try eBay.

[bmw pat]

A friend of mine have the same problem. He has now orded the parts from www.koed.no. It is listed on their web page for 1000 norwegian kroner, which is about 125 euro.
He has not yet recived his parts, so I don't know if he actually get the right part yet. I will get back to you when he has recived the parts from koed.

[nas80]

you can make one from a couple of spare joints.

search technical section for motorsport / m50 steering link.

[sinenarockandroll]

I think I'll try a bit more time to find the part.
Otherwise I'll have to start thinking on doing something similar to what nas80 suggests.

[m3gaz]

Where abouts are you and have you got the radiator?

[sinenarockandroll]

Where abouts are you and have you got the radiator?

I'm sorry m3gaz I don't understand where do you want to get.
-> I'm in Madrid (Spain) and, what radiator?

[ac/dennis]

Hi,

Couple of years ago I faced the same problem. I contacted Frits Bits in England (after a tip from Jeroen), he sent me the part.
My mechanic told me that back in the days he had the same problems with old MG's, the would just cut the steering column and then weld it again. Then hope the weld would hold.