Removing and installing/replacing lower section of steering shaft

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:

Remove TRIM PANEL FOR PEDAL MECHANISM
Move steering column in "top" and "retracted" position.
Remove TENSION STRUT ON SPRING STRUT DOME .
Remove STIFFENING PLATE .

Removal:

Bring steering to center position.

Release clamping bolt (1).

Detach the steering shaft (2) from the steering gear.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pull down steering shaft until clamping bolt (1) is accessible with tool (1/4" reversible ratchet, extension and Torx bit 10).

Release clamping bolt (1) and remove steering shaft.

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Installation:

Only when reusing the removed steering shaft : Clean screw threads to remove all remnants of screw locking adhesive.

Join steering shaft on the steering column.

Counter-hold the steering shaft in the vehicle interior when sliding the universal joint onto the steering column.

Part : Replace clamping bolt (1).

Tighten clamping bolt.

Clamping bolt must rest in groove of steering column.

Tightening torque 32 31 3AZ .

No subsequent retorquing permitted!

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Slide the steering shaft (2) onto the steering gear.

Part : Replace clamping bolt (1).

Screw the clamping bolt (1) in and tighten.

Clamping screw must rest in groove of steering box.

Tightening torque 32 31 2AZ .

No subsequent retorquing permitted!

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Required follow-up work:

Turn steering wheel in both directions to the limit position. The airbag indicator light must not light up in the process.
Install STIFFENING PLATE .
Install TENSION STRUT ON SPRING STRUT DOME .
Install TRIM PANEL for pedal mechanism.