32 31 090 Removing and installing/replacing steering column

Necessary preliminary work: 

• Move steering column into "extended" position.
• Clamp off BATTERY EARTH LEAD .
• Remove the AIRBAG 
• Remove the STEERING WHEEL .
• Remove the TRIM PANEL FOR PEDAL MECHANISM .
• US vehicles only: Remove the AIRBAG MODULE for driver's knee protection.
• Remove the UPPER AND LOWER STEERING COLUMN SHROUD. 
• Remove STEERING COLUMN SWITCH CLUSTER .
• Unclip wiring harness and place to one side.
• Release electronics box at the spring strut dome and only lay to the side (only N47).
• Release the STEERING SHAFT  from steering column in engine compartment.

Undo nuts (1) at top of steering column.

Tightening torque, refer to: 32 31 1AZ .

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Secure steering column against falling out.

Undo nuts (1) at bottom of steering column.

Guide steering column out of the steering shaft collar (2) and remove.

Tightening torque, refer to: 32 31 1AZ

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 STEERING SHAFT COLLAR) 

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!