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

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW 550i GT, 2012 BMW 550i GT, 2011 BMW 550i GT, and 2010 BMW 550i GT. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary preliminary work

Remove TRIM PANEL FOR PEDAL MECHANISM (US ONLY)
Remove rear UNDERBODY PROTECTION (N63N74).

IMPORTANT: If the bottom of steering shaft is disconnected from universal joint with corrugated tubing, the steering column switch cluster may be damaged when the steering wheel is turned!

All, excl. N63/N74:

Release screw connection (1) from corrugated tubing and pull off bottom of steering shaft from corrugated tubing.

Installation note:

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

Fig 1: Identifying Corrugated Tubing Screw Connection

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 .

Only N63/N74:

Release screw connection (1) from corrugated tubing and pull off bottom of steering shaft from corrugated tubing.

Installation note:

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

Fig 2: Identifying Screw On Corrugated Tubing

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

IMPORTANT: Mark installation position of steering shaft in relation to steering column (1) with a line.

Release clamping bolt (2) and pull off steering shaft from steering column in direction of arrow.

Carefully pull bottom of steering shaft in passenger compartment through sleeve and remove.

Installation note:

To simplify installation, grease sleeve with silicone spray before sliding in steering shaft through sleeve!

Fig 3: Pulling Steering Spindle

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Do not damage splined shaft.

Recut thread in steering shaft.

Replace clamping screw (2).

Clamping screw must rest in groove of upper steering spindle.

No subsequent retorquing permitted!

Tightening torque 32 31 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"