Simply put, form is an important consideration that cannot be ignored. It is the driving force behind one of the most important aspects of the aftermarket industry: emotion. Indeed, an enthusiast car itself has to be exciting, right? There is a lofty expectation for a car to wear that enthusiast designation—crucially with the way that it makes you feel just looking at it—but also with the more tangible experience behind the wheel.
We believe that the same enthusiast expectation carries over into the aftermarket industry. Like we said with the recently released FC oil filter housing caps, a well-engineered, motorsport-worthy product should be both beautiful and purposeful, not just the former. Indeed, Future Classic's latest component—the E9X M3 Power Steering Extension Set—follows that commitment and represents another exciting addition to our engine bay suite.
THE RESERVOIR
Prolonged rigorous, motorsport use of the car has long exposed a glaring flaw with the E9X M3: the power steering reservoir is simply undersized. The result is a messy one—it's not uncommon to find power steering fluid all over the factory reservoir and beyond.
FC's new PS reservoir coordinates perfectly with their E9X M3 oil filter housing
Future Classic's solution is relatively straightforward—rather than completely reinventing the power steering reservoir's form factor, they give it exactly what it needs: room to expand. By threading their new reservoir onto the factory unit, you effectively add over 35mm of fluid expansion space while also dressing up your engine bay. The additional headroom not only safeguards against messy engine compartments as intended, but also guarantees a consistent steering feel. Since there is enough area for the fluid to travel, there is no cavitation between air and fluid, resulting in driving confidence in the most extreme conditions.
As simple as that sounds, it's the method by which we chose to achieve that solution that becomes more complicated. Indeed, our reservoir is machined from a single piece of 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum. By doing so, we eliminate the need for internal gaskets and thereby the need for servicing over time. Our exhaustive study of the unit's internals also allowed us to build in even more surface area for fluid expansion without altering the reservoir's form factor. On the outside, you'll find subtle design details that add visual balance, but also provides valuable grip area for installation.
THE CAP
The important vent hole and the OEM measuring points have been carefully integrated into our replacement cap
Fitting our beautiful reservoir with the factory, plastic cap seemed like unfinished business to us, so we took it upon ourselves to design a cap replacement in matching 6061-T6 aluminum. Our cap replacement retains all of the factory measurement indicators (as well as the vent / purge hole), but feels just as premium as it should. A fresh OEM cap gasket is included as well.
THE COMPLETE PACKAGE
Every E9X M3 ZF Power Steering Extension Set comes with both the reservoir and hard coat black cap for the most comprehensive upgrade. Color matched caps are also available as an additional extra for enthusiasts who wish for a bolder expression underneath the hood.
Ferrari Red reservoir + optional matching cap set shown
Spoiled for Choice: Four finish options are available (all shown with optional color-matched cap)
ALSO SOLD SEPARATELY
We realize that there are enthusiasts who may not need the expansion capability or already have aftermarket reservoirs, so we are also offering our billet aluminum cap separately in each of our four standard finishes: Ferrari Red, Royal Blue, Hard Coat Clear, and Hard Coat Black. This wide range allows you to either add a bold pop of color or make a subtle, OEM+ statement to your engine bay.
The cap as a standalone item also makes the application list grow tenfold. While the expanded reservoir is compatible with E87 LCI, E88, E82, E90, E91, E92, E93, E84, E83 models (without active steering), the cap can be accepted by E36 M3, E46 M3, E85 Z4M, E53 48IS, E36, E39, E46, E53 X5, E63,E82, E83 X3, E85 Z4, E86 Z4, E90, E92, and E93. Quite a list.
Hard Coat Black: Subtle, but meaningful upgrade from the factory, plastic cap
Although Future Classic isn't first to market on this product, they are extremely proud to put their unique spin on a common E9X issue. In doing so, they were also able to achieve both function and form equally—each piece is machined and finished to perfection and bears the Future Classic name with honor. As with every new FC product, the finishing touch lies within its all-new livery box. This time, a celebration of the BASF scheme which is so famously adorned on the classic E26 M1. What a machine.
Product Details:
- Compatible with E9X M3 and E82 1M (full application list below)
- Adds over 35mm of fluid expansion area to reservoir for better steering feel in any driving condition
- CNC precision machined from 6061-T6 aerospace aluminum
- Set includes both expansion reservoir and Hard Coat Black cap
- Four anodizing options: Ferrari Red, Royal Blue, Hard Coat Clear, & Hard Coat Black
- Proudly made in USA
- Optional Add-On: Color-matched billet aluminum cap
Application List:
- E87 LCI / E88 1-Series
- E82 1M
- E9X 3-Series, M3 (without active steering)
- E83 X3 (without active steering)
- E84 X1 (without active steering)
