32 31 070 Removing And Installing/Replacing Steering Bottom Steering Shaft (All-Wheel Drive Vehicle)

IMPORTANT: 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 TRIM PANEL FOR PEDAL MECHANISM .
Secure upper part of steering shaft in footwell (can be pushed into steering column)
N54: Remove left charge-air duct
Remove INTAKE SILENCER HOUSING with intake hose to intake pipe/system (N51, N52)
Remove MICROFILTER HOUSING (N57)
Release coolant expansion tank at body and place to one side (only N57)
Release pressure pipe on throttle body (only N57)

N51, N52, N53:

Remove vacuum line (1) from bracket.

Release nuts (2) and remove shims.

Remove oil reservoir (3) with bracket from combination bracket, pass under vacuum line (1) and place to one side.

Installation note:

Replace self-locking nuts.

Tightening torque 32 41 2AZ .

Fig 1: Vacuum Line From Bracket And Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

All except for N57:

Release clamping bolt (1) on steering shaft (2).

Installation note:

Clean thread to remove all remnants of screw locking adhesive.

Renew clamping bolt (1).

Clamping bolt must rest in groove of steering column.

No subsequent retorquing permitted!

Tightening torque 32 31 1AZ .

Fig 2: Clamping Bolt On Steering Shaft

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

N57 only:

With 3/8" reversible ratchet, extension and Torx socket E10 (see Fig 3)

Installation note:

Clean thread to remove all remnants of screw locking adhesive.

Replace clamping bolt

Clamping bolt must rest in groove of steering column.

No subsequent retorquing permitted!

Tightening torque 32 31 1AZ .

Fig 3: Clamping Bolt On Steering Shaft Upper Part

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release clamping bolt (1) on steering shaft upper part (2).

Release clamping bolt (1) on steering gear from engine compartment.

Return steering to straight-ahead drive setting and remove ignition key.

Pull off bottom steering shaft (2) with double pivot from steering gear.

Detach steering spindle upper section from steering column.

Installation note:

Clean thread to remove all remnants of screw locking adhesive.

Replace clamping bolt.

Fig 4: Clamping Bolt On Steering Shaft Lower Part

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Clamping bolt must rest in groove (2) of lower section of steering shaft (3).

No subsequent retorquing permitted!

Steering shaft can only be inserted in one position on steering gear and steering column.

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.