32 31 070 Removing and installing/replacing lower section of steering shaft

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

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Move steering column adjustment into "top" and "extended" position.
Remove TRIM PANEL for pedal mechanism.
Secure upper part of steering shaft in footwell (can be pushed into steering column).
Remove MICROFILTER HOUSING .
Release coolant expansion tank at body and place to one side.
Release pressure pipe on throttle body.

With 3/8" reversible ratchet, extension and Torx socket E10 (see imageFig 1).

Release clamping bolt (1) on steering shaft upper part (2).

Installation note:

Clean thread to remove all remnants of screw locking adhesive.

Replace clamping bolt.

Clamping bolt must rest in groove of steering column.

No subsequent retorquing permitted!

Tightening torque 32 31 1AZ .

Fig 1: Removing Clamping Bolt On Steering Shaft Upper Part

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release clamping bolt (1) on steering shaft lower part (2).

Move steering wheel to straight-ahead driving position and remove the ignition key.

Pull off bottom of steering shaft from steering gear.

Pull off top of steering shaft from steering column and remove towards top.

Installation note:

Clean thread to remove all remnants of screw locking adhesive.

Replace clamping bolt.

Fig 2: Identifying Clamping Bolt And Steering Shaft Lower Part

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Clamping screw must rest in groove of steering box.

No subsequent retorquing permitted!

Steering shaft can only be inserted in one position on steering gear and steering column.

Tightening torque 32 31 3AZ .

After installation:

Turn steering wheel in both directions to the limit position. The airbag indicator lamp must not light up in the process.
Check directional stability of car.

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

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Move steering column adjustment into "top" and "extended" position.
Remove trim panel for pedal mechanism.
Secure upper part of steering shaft in footwell (can be pushed into steering column).
N51, N52, N53: Remove intake silencer housing with air intake hose for the intake pipe/system.
N54: Remove intake silencer housing with charge air line.
E92 with N43: Remove intake silencer housing.

Release clamping bolt (1) on steering shaft upper part (2).

Installation note:

Clean thread to remove all remnants of screw locking adhesive.

Replace clamping bolt.

Clamping bolt must rest in groove of steering column.

No subsequent retorquing permitted!

Tightening torque 32 31 1AZ .

Fig 1: Removing Clamping Bolt On Steering Shaft Upper Part

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release clamping bolt (1) on steering shaft lower part (2).

Move steering wheel to straight-ahead driving position and remove the ignition key.

Detach lower section of steering shaft from steering box in direction of arrow.

Detach steering spindle upper section from steering column.

Installation note:

Clean thread to remove all remnants of screw locking adhesive.

Replace clamping bolt.

Fig 2: Releasing Clamping Bolt On Steering Shaft Lower Part

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Clamping screw must rest in groove of steering box.

No subsequent retorquing permitted!

Steering shaft can only be inserted in one position on steering gear and steering column.

Tightening torque 32 31 1AZ .

After installation:

Turn steering wheel in both directions to limit position. The airbag indicator lamp must not light up in the process.
Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment . See 61 31 996 CARRYING OUT STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENT or 32 10 005 ADJUSTMENT FOR ACTIVE FRONT STEERING /adjustment for active steering.
Check directional stability of car.