32 31 090 Removing And Installing Steering Column

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2008 BMW 750i, 2008 BMW 750Li, 2007 BMW 750i, 2007 BMW 750Li, and 2006 BMW 750i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: The steering wheel has been removed to simplify depiction.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Return steering to straight-ahead drive setting and remove ignition key
Move steering column in "top" and "extended" position.
Disconnect battery negative lead . See 61 20 900 DISCONNECTING AND CONNECTING BATTERY NEGATIVE LEAD .
Remove steering spindle lower section from steering column . See 32 31 070 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LOWER SECTION OF STEERING SPINDLE .
Remove panel for (active) knee protector . See 51 45 175 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING PANEL FOR KNEE PROTECTOR ON LEFT .
Remove air duct in footwell
Remove light operator unit . See 61 31 037 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LIGHTING CONTROL UNIT .
Remove middle instrument panel trim . See 51 45... REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING CENTER INSTRUMENT PANEL TRIM or 61 31 218 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING SWITCH FOR PARK DISTANCE CONTROL .
Remove lower section of steering column trim . See 32 31 020 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LOWER SECTION OF STEERING COLUMN TRIM .

Unscrew nuts (1).

Pull steering column gap cover (2) forwards over steering column trim upper section.

Installation:

Replace self-locking nuts.

Fig 1: Identifying Steering Column Gap Cover And Nuts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unclip steering column insert (1).

Disconnect plug connections (2).

Remove wiring harness from steering column.

Fig 2: Identifying Steering Column And Plug Connections

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1).

Tightening torque 32 31 6AZ . See STEERING AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 3: Identifying Steering Column Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1).

Remove steering column towards rear.

Installation:

Centre steering column in instrument panel cutout.

Tightening torque 32 31 6AZ . See STEERING AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 4: Identifying Steering Column Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment . See 61 31 996 CARRY OUT STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENT .
Perform function check:
1. Check for ease of movement in overall adjustment range of steering column to adjoining components/wires
2. Turn steering wheel in both directions to full lock. The airbag warning lamp must not light up in the process.
Check directional stability of car