32 31 102 Replacing bottom steering shaft (all-wheel drive vehicle)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 BMW 750xi, 2011 BMW 750Lxi, 2010 BMW 750xi, and 2010 BMW 750Lxi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove trim panel for pedal mechanism. See TRIM PANEL (US ONLY) or TRIM PANEL (ECE ONLY) .
Remove underbody protection at front and rear. See FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION and REAR UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
Remove stiffening plate
Remove EXHAUST SYSTEM (N63 only)
Remove CATALYTIC CONVERTER (only N63)
Remove heat shield (N63 only)
Release screw connection for universal joint with corrugated tubing on bottom steering shaft and pull off universal joint

Release screws (1) from cover (2) on bulkhead.

Fig 1: Identifying Bulkhead Cover And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pull cover towards front until steering shaft collar is visible.

Pull out both expanding pins (see arrows in illustration) from steering shaft collar.

Fig 2: Locating Steering Shaft Collar Pins

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Before removal: Mark connection of steering shaft/steering column in relation to each other with mark (1)!
Non-compliance results in steering wheel inclination!

Release screw (2) and pull off steering shaft!

Installation note:

Replace screw.

Fig 3: Identifying Mark On Steering Shaft And Mounting Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Screw must lie in groove of steering column shaft.

No subsequent retorquing permitted!

Tightening torque 32 31 3AZ.

Press in latch mechanisms (see arrows in illustration) from footwell and press out complete steering shaft collar (1) with steering shaft from bulkhead.

Remove steering shaft towards bottom from engine compartment complete with cover for bulkhead and steering shaft collar!

Fig 4: Identifying Steering Shaft Collar

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.