Remove steering shaft lower part from steering column

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WARNING: Hot fluids.
Risk of scalding!

Conduct all work in the vehicle wearing appropriate personal protective equipment only.

NOTE: RISK OF DAMAGE
Damage to steering column switch cluster (SZL).
The steering column switch cluster (SZL) or the coil spring cassette can be damaged by twisting the steering wheel if the lower steering shaft (or the universal joint) is separated from the steering gear or the steering column.

After separating the lower steering shaft (or the universal joint) from the steering gear or from the steering column, secure the steering wheel against twisting.

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Collect and dispose of emerging fluids. Observe country-specific waste disposal regulations.

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Grease the threads of new oxygen sensors thinly and evenly.
For oxygen sensors that are reused, the following should be observed:
Thinly and evenly grease the oxygen sensor on the thread only. Do not clean the part of the oxygen sensor that does not protrude into the exhaust line (sensor ceramics) and do not grease.
For additional information see: 11 00... OVERVIEW OF CONSUMABLES IN APPLICABLE BMW PARTS CATALOGUE .

Preliminary work

Refer to DISCONNECTING ALL BATTERY GROUND LEADS .
Refer to REMOVING THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL .
Refer to REMOVING THE COVER OF THE STEERING ASSEMBLY ON THE RIGHT .
Refer to REMOVING THE FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
Refer to REMOVING THE STIFFENING PLATE .
Refer to REMOVING THE REAR DIFFUSER .
Refer to REMOVING THE UNDERSHIELD ON THE LEFT FUEL TANK .
Refer to REMOVING UNDERSHIELD ON THE FUEL TANK ON THE RIGHT .
Refer to REMOVING REINFORCEMENT STRUT .
Refer to REMOVING REAR TUNNEL CONNECTING SUPPORT .
Refer to REMOVING EXHAUST SYSTEM .
Refer to REMOVING THE COVER OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AT THE REAR LEFT .
Refer to REMOVING THE COVER OF THE REAR RIGHT ENGINE COMPARTMENT .
Refer to REMOVING LEFT AND RIGHT WIPER ARM .
Refer to REMOVING THE COWL COVER .
Refer to REMOVING TRAILING LINK AT SPRING BOLT .
Refer to REMOVING THE COWL UPPER PART IN THE CENTER .
Refer to REMOVING THE COVER PANEL OF THE MASTER DME CONTROL UNIT .
Refer to REMOVING THE COVER PANEL OF THE SLAVE DME CONTROL DEVICE .
Refer to REMOVING THE ACOUSTIC COVER .
Refer to REMOVING THE LAMBDA OXYGEN SENSOR FOR THE CYLINDERS 1 TO 4 .
Refer to REMOVING LAMBDA OXYGEN SENSOR FOR THE CYLINDERS 5 TO 8 .
Refer to REMOVING HOLDER OF DME CONTROL UNIT FOR CYLINDERS 5 TO 8 .
Refer to REMOVING COOLANT EXPANSION TANK .
Refer to REMOVING EXPANSION TANKS FOR THE CHARGE AIR COOLERS .
Refer to LIFTING THE HEAT SHIELD AT THE SIDE .
Refer to REMOVING THE OXYGEN SENSOR MONITOR OF CYLINDER BANK 2 .
Refer to REMOVING CONDUIT FROM BANK 1 .
Refer to REMOVING THE WIRING HARNESS FROM THE CYLINDER BANK 2 .
Refer to REMOVING UPPER HEAT SHIELD .
Refer to REMOVING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEAR THE ENGINE AT BOTTOM OF CYLINDER BANK 2 .
Refer to REMOVING THE HEAT PROTECTION .
Refer to REMOVING UNIVERSAL JOINT .
Refer to REMOVING THE TRIM PANEL FOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY .

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
The steering shaft and the steering column are not encoded to each other. At the time of removal, installation and replacement, mark the positioning of the steering shaft in relation to the steering column. Non-compliance will lead to inclination of the steering wheel.

Mark the positioning of the bottom steering shaft (1 ) to the steering column (2 ).

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Loosen screw (1 ).
Detach bottom steering shaft (2 ) from steering column.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.