32 31 211 Removing and installing/replacing universal joint with corrugated tubing (vehicles with N63 engine)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 31 other vehicles, including the 2015 BMW Alpina B7L, 2015 BMW Alpina B7, 2015 BMW 750i, 2015 BMW 750Li, and 2015 BMW 740i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

IMPORTANT: If the lower section of the steering shaft is separated from the steering box/steering shaft middle section, the steering column switch cluster may be damaged when the steering wheel is turned.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove rear UNDERBODY PROTECTION

Release screw (1) on corrugated tubing.

Tightening torque 32 31 3AZ .

Fig 1: Identifying Screw On Corrugated Tubing

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1) from below.

Tightening torque 32 31 2AZ .

Slide universal joint with corrugated tubing upward and remove.

Installation note:

Connect universal joint with corrugated tubing first to steering shaft and then to steering box.

Fig 2: Identifying Universal Joint Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Clean screw threads to remove all remnants of screw locking adhesive.

Replace screw.

Screw must rest in steering box groove or steering shaft middle section.

No subsequent retorquing permitted!

NOTE: Illustration shows F04

Release screws (1) from below.

Tightening torque 32 31 2AZ

Slide universal joint with corrugated tubing upward and remove.

Installation note:

Connect universal joint with corrugated tubing first to steering shaft and then to steering box.

Clean screw threads to remove all remnants of screw locking adhesive.

Replace screw.

Screw must rest in steering box groove or steering shaft middle section.

No subsequent retorquing permitted!

Fig 3: Identifying Screw

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 in the process.
Check directional stability of vehicle