32 31 211 Removing and installing/replacing universal joint with corrugated tubing (N63 AWD)

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IMPORTANT: If the lower section of the steering shaft is separated from the steering box/steering shaft middle section, the steering column switch cluster may be damaged when the steering wheel is turned.

Necessary preliminary work:

Remove underbody protection at front and rear. See 51 47 491 REMOVING REFITTING/REPLACING REAR ENGINE UNDERCOVER and 51 47 490 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
Remove STIFFENING PLATE (all-wheel drive vehicles with N63)

Release screw (1) on corrugated tubing.

Tightening torque 32 31 3AZ .

Fig 1: Identifying Screw On Corrugated Tubing

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: Illustration N63 shows rear-wheel drive!

Release screws (1) from below.

Tightening torque 32 31 2AZ .

Slide universal joint with corrugated

tubing upwards and remove.

Installation note:

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

Fig 2: Identifying Universal Joint Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Replace screw.

Screw must rest in steering box groove or steering shaft middle section.

No subsequent retorquing permitted!

NOTE: Illustration shows F04!

Release screws (1) from below.

Tightening torque 32 31 2AZ .

Slide universal joint with corrugated tubing upwards and remove.

Installation note:

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

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

Replace screw.

Screw must rest in steering box groove or steering shaft middle section.

No subsequent retorquing permitted!

Fig 3: Identifying Universal Joint Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Turn steering wheel in both directions to the limit position. The airbag indicator light must not light up in the process.
Check directional stability of vehicle