32 13 572 Replacing electrical steering gear (EPS)/all-wheel drive vehicle

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2016 BMW 328i xDrive, 2016 BMW 328d xDrive, 2015 BMW 328i xDrive, 2015 BMW 328d xDrive, and 2014 BMW 328i xDrive. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

IMPORTANT: Connecting line:
In the event of moisture/corrosion inside the two plug connections, check the insulation of the connecting line. If the insulation reveals any noticeable/striking features, partial replacement will be necessary. Otherwise it will be sufficient to replace the contacts or connector housing.

NOTE: In a warranty case you must always provide a fault memory printout, even where there is no fault entry, with the defective part.

IMPORTANT: Do not turn the steering wheel once the steering shaft has been detached from the steering box/steering column! 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:

Disconnect BATTERY EARTH LEAD
NOTE: High-current-carrying wiring laid with permanent positive connection (80 A fuse).
SECURE ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION
Remove FRONT WHEEL on the left and right.
Remove underbody protection . See 51 47 490 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION or 51 47 491 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR UNDERBODY PROTECTION at front and rear
Remove REINFORCEMENT PLATE
Remove top and bottom cover of steering assembly (diesel-engine cars only)
Release steering spindle on steering gear . See 32 31 070 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING STEERING SHAFT LOWER SECTION (N47 ALL-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE) or 32 31 070 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING STEERING BOTTOM STEERING SHAFT (N20 ALL-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE)
LOWER FRONT AXLE SUPPORT
REMOVE ANTI-ROLL BAR
Release LEFT AND RIGHT TRACK ROD END at swivel bearing Unlock plug connections (1), disconnect and unclip wiring harness (2) at the front axle support and lay to the side.

Fig 1: Identifying Front Axle Support Wiring Harness And Plug Connection
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1) at front axle support.

Tightening torque, 32 00 1AZ .

Installation note:

Replace the screws (1) and nuts.

Fig 2: Identifying Front Axle Support Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
When removing the steering gear, pay attention to connector housing and the gearing on the steering gear input shaft.

Pull out track rod to the left over the trailing link.

First pull out steering gear between front axle support and body and then remove the complete steering gear.

Fig 3: Identifying Steering Gear Connector Housing

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note:

Remount TRACK ROD END on left and right.

Or check track rod end and renew, if necessary!

After installation:

Turn steering wheel in both directions to the limit position. The airbag indicator light must not light up in the process.
Carry out PROGRAMMING/ENCODING
Teach in END STOP SOFTWARE
Perform CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK