6131009 Repairing steering column switch cluster (SZL): Removal

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 14 other vehicles, including the 2011 BMW 328xi, 2011 BMW 328i, 2011 BMW 323i, 2010 BMW 335xi, and 2010 BMW 335i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Unlock retaining lugs on upper housing section (1) with a suitable tool.
Remove upper housing section.

Fig 1: Locating Retaining Lugs On Upper Housing Section
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Release screws (1) in optical element (2).

IMPORTANT: Touch only the optical element.

NOTE: After removal, render optical element unusable and dispose of it in the appropriate manner.

Fig 2: Identifying Screws On Optical Element

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Fig 3: Removing Encoded Disc From Rear Of Steering Column Switch Cluster Using Plastic Tube

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Unclip encoded disc (1) from rear of steering column switch cluster with plastic tube (2) supplied for the purpose. In this process, hold encoded disc by inserting two fingers in the hole.

Fig 4: Tilting Encoded Disc Away From Printed Circuit Board

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To prevent damage, tilt encoded disc (1) away from the printed circuit board when removing.

It is not permissible to clean the bearing points.

IMPORTANT: Make sure that encoded disc, optical element and printed circuit board do not come into contact with grease.

Apply grease supplied for the purpose to friction face (1) of bearing race of front of steering column switch cluster.

Fig 5: Identifying Friction Face Of Bearing Race

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.