32 31 211 Removing and installing/replacing universal joint with corrugated tubing (N55, N57)

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 front left STRUT BRACE (only N57T up to 09/2011 and N57 all-wheel drive vehicles)
Remove intake port (only N57T up to 09/2011 and N57 all-wheel drive vehicles)
Remove intake filter housing (only N57S1)
Remove stiffening plate . See 31 11 040 REMOVE AND INSTALL/REPLACE STIFFENING PLATE (ALL-WHEEL DRIVE) or 31 11 040 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING STIFFENING PLATE (only F12 and N55 all-wheel drive vehicles)

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.

For all-wheel drive vehicles with N20/N47 engine:

Loosen the screw connection (1) at the steering gear from the wheel arch (insert tool between trim panel of steering components and output shaft, see Fig 1).

Installation note:

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

Clamping bolt must rest in steering box groove or steering shaft middle section.

No subsequent retorquing permitted!

Replace clamping bolt.

Tightening torque 32 31 2AZ .

Fig 1: Identifying Screw Connection

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

For vehicles with N55 all-wheel drive vehicle:

Release screws (1) from below.

Installation note:

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

Clamping bolt must rest in steering box groove or steering shaft middle section.

No subsequent retorquing permitted!

Replace clamping bolt.

Tightening torque 32 31 2AZ

Fig 2: Identifying Universal Joint Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release clamping bolt (1) in the engine compartment and remove steering shaft.

Remove steering spindle first from steering gear and slide upwards.

Installation note:

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

Clamping screw must rest in groove of center steering spindle.

No subsequent retorquing permitted!

Replace clamping bolt.

Tightening torque 32 31 2AZ

Fig 3: Identifying Steering Shaft Clamping Bolt

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

All other vehicles:

Release clamping screws (1) from engine compartment.

Remove steering spindle first from steering gear and slide upwards.

Installation note:

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

Replace clamping screws.

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

Clamping bolt must rest in steering box groove or steering shaft middle section.

Fig 4: Identifying Engine Compartment Clamping Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

No subsequent retorquing permitted!

Tightening torque 32 31 2/3AZ

After installation:

Turn steering wheel in both directions to the limit position. The airbag indicator light must not light up in the process.
After replacement of universal joint with corrugated tubing:
On vehicles with active steering, perform "ALIGNMENT/START-UP OF ACTIVE STEERING"