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

IMPORTANT: Do not turn the steering wheel once the steering shaft has been detached from the steering box/steering column! 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:

Remove TRIM PANEL for pedal mechanism.
Move steering column in "top" and "retracted" position.
Remove FRONT LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT WELL .

Release clamping bolt (1) on universal joint (steering gear).

Tightening torque 32 31 3AZ .

Release steering shaft (2) from universal joint and slide inwards.

Installation note:

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

Replace clamping bolt

Fig 1: Removing Steering Shaft From Universal Joint

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release clamping bolt (1) of steering shaft at steering column.

Tightening torque 32 31 4AZ .

Release steering shaft from steering column.

Pull steering shaft into passenger compartment and remove.

Installation note:

For reuse, clean threads to remove all remnants of screw locking adhesive.

Fig 2: Identifying Steering Shaft And Clamping Bolts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replace clamping bolt

Counter-hold the steering shaft in the passenger compartment on the steering column when sliding the universal joint onto the steering column!

Connect steering spindle first to steering column and then to steering gear.

Clamping bolts must rest in groove of steering gear or steering column.

After installation:

Turn steering wheel in both directions to the limit position. The airbag indicator light must not light up in the process.