32 31 102 Replacing bottom steering shaft (all-wheel drive vehicle)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 33 other vehicles, including the 2018 BMW M6, 2018 BMW 650i xDrive, 2018 BMW 650i, 2018 BMW 640i xDrive, and 2018 BMW 640i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary preliminary work:

Remove cover of pedal mechanism. See 51 45 184 REMOVING AND INSTALLING (REPLACING) TRIM PANEL FOR PEDAL MECHANISM (US ONLY) or 51 45 184 REMOVING AND INSTALLING (REPLACING) TRIM PANEL FOR PEDAL MECHANISM (ECE ONLY)
Remove underbody protection at front and rear. See 51 47 490 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION or 51 47 491 REMOVING REFITTING/REPLACING REAR ENGINE UNDERCOVER
Remove stiffening plate . See 31 11 040 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING STIFFENING PLATE or 31 11 040 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING STIFFENING PLATE (M5, M6)
Remove EXHAUST SYSTEM (N63 only)
Remove CATALYTIC CONVERTER (N63 only)
Remove heat shield (N63 only)
Release SCREW CONNECTION FOR UNIVERSAL JOINT WITH CORRUGATED TUBING on bottom steering shaft and pull off universal joint

Release screws (1) from cover (2) on bulkhead.

Fig 1: Identifying Bulkhead Cover And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pull cover towards front until steering shaft collar is visible.

Pull out both expanding pins (see arrows) from steering shaft collar.

Fig 2: Locating Expanding Pins

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Before removal: Mark connection of steering shaft/steering column in relation to each other with mark (1)!
Non-compliance results in steering wheel inclination!

Release screw (2) and pull off steering shaft!

Installation note:

Replace screw.

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

Screw must lie in groove of steering column shaft.

Fig 3: Identifying Mark Connection Of Steering Shaft/Steering Column And Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

No subsequent retorquing permitted!

Tightening torque 32 31 3AZ .

Press in latch mechanisms (see arrows) from footwell and press out complete steering shaft collar (1) with steering shaft from bulkhead.

Remove steering shaft towards bottom from engine compartment complete with cover for bulkhead and steering shaft collar!

Fig 4: Locating Latch Mechanisms Of Steering Shaft Collar

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.