bigcoupe.com

Would like to know where you folk in the UK and Aus source the above. Replaced mine a few years ago but (like the Brucey post says) the bushes don't last that long so needing another. WN don't appear to have.

Just bought one for my 1986 but have not fitted yet

Could not find one in Australia so got one from rock auto in the US. Cost was around $130 shipped to me

https://www.rockauto.com/en/partsearch/ ... 2211129017

Band was Delphi TL97 BMW code 32211129017

Just had a look and they only have one more in stock

Thanks for that. Nabbed that last one.
When I get the current one out will see if I can' get it modded for next time. It's a bloody nuisance these crapping out after relatively low mileage.
(Look at the price for this out of stock Meyle in Aus https://runautoparts.com.au/bmw-e24-e28-centre-tie-rod)

Bl**dy expensive, but cheaper if you use their offer of ......"or 4 interest-free payments of $0.00"

I installed the Delphi. PIA as access to the joint on the driver side is difficult, busting my splitter in the process. Alignment was then quite aways out even though tie rods were not altered, meaning the ball joint centres differ from the lemforder.
Given these are now like hens teeth I got the failed lemforder joint rebuilt by a certified shop so now have a good spare for the future. ($300 kiwi, about 150 GBP)

I replaced my centre drag link 100,000 miles ago and it's still in perfect condition.
I wonder if there are certain factors which make it wear out faster?
For example, I NEVER turn the steering wheel if the car is stationary as this puts great stress on the steering components.
Do large heavy alloy wheels with wide tires reduce the life as well?

I placed an order today from ClassicBM in Melbourne, Australia who stock a RHD specific part.

Centre steering tie rod / Track Rod / Drag Link (32211129017).
https://www.classicbm.com.au/product/ce ... 211129017/

Product number: 32211129017
Brand: Trucktec (high quality aftermarket)

Centre steering drag link, right hand drive specific.
Please note: BMW painted these in a dark red colour to denote them being RHD specific. LHD are black (32211129014 for reference)
This item is painted black due to being manufactured along side LHD ones in the factory, however it has been manufactured to suit RHD vehicles specifically.

TimU wrote: ↑Thu May 12, 2022 8:48 amCentre steering drag link, right hand drive specific.
Please note: BMW painted these in a dark red colour to denote them being RHD specific. LHD are black (32211129014 for reference)
This item is painted black due to being manufactured along side LHD ones in the factory, however it has been manufactured to suit RHD vehicles specifically.

That's a useful thing to know. Of course, being in England, I've only seen the red ones on my cars!

Received my Trucktec Right Hand Drive (RHD) Centre Rod assembly today.
Trucktec part number 08.37.019 replicates BMW part number 32211129017.
Includes locking nuts with the package (not shown)

Initial thoughts:
* Quality should be excellent given their German provenance.
* No part number markings on the bar AND all-black paint. Makes it impossible to identify as a RHD part for future reference.
* I'm going to spray the bar red as a future indicator that it's RHD.

Some pics below.

TimU wrote: ↑Wed May 18, 2022 1:08 pm Received my Trucktec Right Hand Drive (RHD) Centre Rod assembly today.


Initial thoughts:
* Quality should be excellent given their German provenance.
* No part number markings on the bar AND all-black paint. Makes it impossible to identify as a RHD part for future reference.
* I'm going to spray the bar red as a future indicator that it's RHD.

Is the difference in preload obvious from "waggling" the box/idler balljoints though? There is a Febi draglink with the right preloads, or used to be, and the difference was clearly felt by hand.

Nice find! I didn't know about the colour difference, that's such a useful thing to know.

Rob

wattsmonkey wrote: ↑Thu Jun 02, 2022 9:00 am Is the difference in preload obvious from "waggling" the box/idler balljoints though? There is a Febi draglink with the right preloads, or used to be, and the difference was clearly felt by hand.

Nice find! I didn't know about the colour difference, that's such a useful thing to know.

Rob

Couldn't tell you yet, sorry. It's still in my garage waiting on installation.
At least it's now painted :)