32 31 090 Removing And Installing Steering Column

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 BMW Alpina and 2007 BMW Alpina. 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 12 00... INSTRUCTIONS FOR DISCONNECTING AND CONNECTING BATTERY .
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 45 177 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING PANEL FOR ACTIVE 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 .
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

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 Insert And Plug Connections

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1).

Tightening torque. See STEERING AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT - TIGHTENING TORQUES - ALPINA .

Fig 3: Identifying 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. See STEERING AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT - TIGHTENING TORQUES - ALPINA .

Fig 4: Identifying 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