32 31 090 Removing and installing/replacing steering column

Necessary preliminary work :

Move steering column into "extended" position
Disconnect BATTERY EARTH LEAD
Remove airbag. See REMOVING AIRBAG UNIT , REMOVING AIRBAG UNIT (SPORT STEERING WHEEL) , or REMOVING AIRBAG UNIT (M SPORTS STEERING WHEEL) .
Remove steering wheel. See REMOVING STEERING WHEEL , REMOVING SPORT STEERING WHEEL , or REMOVING M SPORTS STEERING WHEEL .
Remove TRIM PANEL FOR PEDAL MECHANISM
US vehicles only: Remove AIRBAG MODULE for driver's knee protection
Remove upper and lower steering column shroud. See REMOVING UPPER SECTION OF STEERING COLUMN SHROUD and REMOVING LOWER SECTION OF STEERING COLUMN SHROUD .
Remove STEERING COLUMN CONTROL PANEL
Unclip wiring harness and place to one side.
Release STEERING SHAFT from steering column in engine compartment.

Undo nuts (1) at top of steering column.

Tightening torque 32 31 1AZ .

Fig 1: Identifying Nuts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Secure steering column against falling out.

Undo nuts (1) at bottom of steering column.

Tightening torque 32 31 1AZ .

Fig 2: Identifying Nuts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note :

Align steering shaft and steering column. (encoding at spindle and joint)

With the assistance of another person, hold the universal joint in the engine compartment and slide spindle of steering column at plastic sleeve (1) from the footwell onto the universal joint.

When pushing in the steering shaft (1), ensure that the steering shaft collar is correctly positioned. Sleeve must be clipped into the bulkhead.

(See REMOVING AND INSTALLING SLEEVE FOR STEERING SHAFT )

Fig 3: Aligning Steering Shaft And Steering Column

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.