32 31 211 Removing and installing/replacing universal joint with corrugated tubing

IMPORTANT: After the steering shaft has been loosened on the steering gear/steering column, do not turn the steering wheel any more. If the lower section of the steering shaft is separated from the steering box/steering column, the steering column switch cluster may be damaged when the steering wheel is turned.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove intake silencer housing . See 13 71 000 REMOVING/REPLACING INTAKE SILENCER HOUSING (N47 D20 O1) , 13 71 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING INTAKE SILENCER HOUSING (N55) or 13 71 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING INTAKE SILENCER HOUSING (N52T) (N57/N55/N52/N47/).
Remove : See 51 45 184 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING TRIM PANEL FOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY (ECE ONLY) or 51 45 184 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING TRIM PANEL FOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY (US ONLY) trim panel for pedal mechanism.
Move steering column in "top" and "retracted" position.

Remove clamping bolt (1) at steering box to the side over the wheel arch.

Installation note:

Clean screw threads to remove all remnants of screw locking adhesive.

Replace clamping bolts.

Tightening torque 32 31 2AZ .

Fig 1: Identifying Clamping Bolt

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pull down corrugated tubing until clamping bolt (1) is accessible with tool (2).

Release clamping bolt (1) and remove universal joint together with corrugated tubing.

Installation note:

Clean screw threads to remove all remnants of screw locking adhesive.

Replace clamping bolts.

Counter-hold the steering shaft in the passenger compartment on the steering column when sliding the universal joint onto the steering column!

Fig 2: Releasing Clamping Bolt

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Connect universal joint with corrugated tubing first to steering shaft and then to steering box.

Clamping bolt must rest in groove of steering box or steering column.

No subsequent retorquing permitted!

Tightening torque 32 31 3AZ .

After installation:

Turn steering wheel in both directions to the limit position. The airbag indicator light must not light up in the process.