32 33 001 Removing and installing/replacing steering wheel

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2007 BMW 530i, 2007 BMW 525i, 2006 BMW 530i, 2006 BMW 525i, and 2005 BMW 530i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove airbag unit. See DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE .

Move steering wheel/front wheels to straight-ahead position.

Pull out lead(s), slide a small screwdriver at outside center into plug connection(s) and carefully pull out plug(s) using lead(s).

Release nut (1).

Tightening torque, see 32 33 1AZ in WHEEL & TIRES - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Lock (2) must engage in hooks (1) on both sides.

Fig 1: Releasing Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Locking pin (1) must engage in recess of driver (2).

Steering wheel can only be installed in one position on steering spindle (serration).

Fig 2: Identifying Locking Pin Which Engages In Recess Of Driver

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement only:

Remove steering wheel retaining plate. See 61 31 220 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING MULTIFUNCTION STEERING WHEEL SWITCH .

Version with Sequential Manual Gearbox/Transmission: remove shift paddles. See 61 31 104 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING SMG SHIFT PADDLES .