Speed Sensitive Rack installed
04-11-2007, 07:04 AM
#1
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 4,002
Likes: 0
Received 95 Likes
on
52 Posts
2015 E250D
Speed Sensitive Rack installed
I did this mod several months ago and forgot to post details on it. It makes a world of difference especially with 17 or 18" rims. The system stiffens the rack at higher speeds and makes it loose at lower speeds. Not a great picture but here is my old rack I removed.
04-11-2007, 08:06 AM
#3
Super Moderator
wow, that is impressive! but not surprising considering all your other mods! 
so you basically upgraded to a late build 2006 rack? what was involved? any software modifications?
so you basically upgraded to a late build 2006 rack? what was involved? any software modifications?
Trending Topics
04-11-2007, 04:06 PM
#10
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Diamond Bar & Anaheim, CA
Posts: 1,194
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
2003 C-Class Sportcoupe
Cool. I want that, but will it make a difference on cars with coilovers? More details please on function, etc.
On a related note, BMW M3's have an engine-speed sensitive hydraulic assist unit equipped with a special power steering fluid pump on the steering rack. The result is greater steering effort at low speeds in trade for sharpened road feel and response at higher speeds.
On a related note, BMW M3's have an engine-speed sensitive hydraulic assist unit equipped with a special power steering fluid pump on the steering rack. The result is greater steering effort at low speeds in trade for sharpened road feel and response at higher speeds.
Last edited by pshek; 04-11-2007 at 04:15 PM.
04-11-2007, 06:42 PM
#12
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 4,002
Likes: 0
Received 95 Likes
on
52 Posts
2015 E250D
The rack is a pretty straightforward swap. A lift really helps. On earlier w203 cars (2001), will require a special wire harness and control unit. Later cars can have the steering rack wired directly to the ESP module. It does help at low speeds GREATLY. It's a matter of personal preference and I prefer to have a easy to move steering wheel at low speeds. I felt it was too stiff after I went to 17" and later to 18".
04-11-2007, 06:50 PM
#14
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: San Diego, CA & San Jose, Costa Rica & Stuttgart, Germany
Posts: 9,498
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
1959 220S / 1979 230 G / 2002 A210 AMG / 2003 C320 SC / 2004.5 C320 SS / 2005 ML350 SE / 2008 smart
that's the first thing I noticed when I drove a 2006 C230 loaner this past week. Steering play on both my 2003 C-SC and 2004.5 C-SS are not even close to what I experienced.
So is the swap pretty much direct ? No need to re-program modules, other electronics, or weird sensor deals ?
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
So is the swap pretty much direct ? No need to re-program modules, other electronics, or weird sensor deals ?
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
04-11-2007, 07:09 PM
#16
Super Moderator
Cool. I want that, but will it make a difference on cars with coilovers? More details please on function, etc.
On a related note, BMW M3's have an engine-speed sensitive hydraulic assist unit equipped with a special power steering fluid pump on the steering rack. The result is greater steering effort at low speeds in trade for sharpened road feel and response at higher speeds.
On a related note, BMW M3's have an engine-speed sensitive hydraulic assist unit equipped with a special power steering fluid pump on the steering rack. The result is greater steering effort at low speeds in trade for sharpened road feel and response at higher speeds.
04-11-2007, 07:35 PM
#19
Banned
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Santa Barbara & Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 973
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
C32, Cobra, 700hp Vespa
Would you mind posting the appropriate part numbers needed. My rack is in need of replacing, and I would love some more low speed help. I am on 18's and COs right now. After six shoulder operations, anything helps.
04-11-2007, 10:06 PM
#21
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 4,002
Likes: 0
Received 95 Likes
on
52 Posts
2015 E250D
Steering rack part no. is
203-460-1300 up to chassis a666024 (check the last digits of your VIN)
203-460-5200 from a555897
Basically first one is for 2001-2004
second one is 2005-2006
To check your ESP, 213 PML may be stamped on the front of it. Check engine bay.
OLD ESP no. are weeded out of EPC but the current ESP modules are
209-545-0832, 0932, 1032 which all support this mod
If you must replace your rack, might as well replace it with this rack and update the ESP module later on. The rack will function as a regular rack if you don't have it wired up.
203-460-1300 up to chassis a666024 (check the last digits of your VIN)
203-460-5200 from a555897
Basically first one is for 2001-2004
second one is 2005-2006
To check your ESP, 213 PML may be stamped on the front of it. Check engine bay.
OLD ESP no. are weeded out of EPC but the current ESP modules are
209-545-0832, 0932, 1032 which all support this mod
If you must replace your rack, might as well replace it with this rack and update the ESP module later on. The rack will function as a regular rack if you don't have it wired up.
04-12-2007, 12:45 AM
#23
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: San Diego, CA & San Jose, Costa Rica & Stuttgart, Germany
Posts: 9,498
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
1959 220S / 1979 230 G / 2002 A210 AMG / 2003 C320 SC / 2004.5 C320 SS / 2005 ML350 SE / 2008 smart
Originally Posted by sunman
the swap is direct. Nothing fancy required as long as your ESP module supports parametric steering.
I was going to ask the same thing.
I knew there was a catch !
So, I take it these part #'s are for the W203 Sedan...
what about the CL203 Coupe ???
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
04-12-2007, 11:50 AM
#25
Banned
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Santa Barbara & Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 973
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
C32, Cobra, 700hp Vespa
So just to verify for sure before I order.
203-460-1300
This one, although for the older model, will be speed sensitive? Also, this will work for the C32?
Thanks for the help!
203-460-1300
This one, although for the older model, will be speed sensitive? Also, this will work for the C32?
Thanks for the help!
Last edited by Code3 Performance; 04-12-2007 at 11:53 AM.
