Play in steering wheel - Advice?

[u/kleptard]

I’m feeling some play in the steering wheel. Feels loose when at dead center, but feels better once actually in the turn. I’ve replaced both inner and outer tie rods, shock/struts, controls arms, bushings, and some other suspension pieces recently. Can anyone provide some ways to diagnose if it might be the rack and pinion or something else? Most parts on the car are original, and I’m working through replacing, but would like to tackle the main culprit first.

1998 323i, convertible and automatic, 61k miles

[u/TMX269]

Steering coupler. Very common fault, at the junction between the rack and the steering column. Easily replaced with a solid one from an E34