32 31 090 Removing And Installing/Replacing Steering Column

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 47 other vehicles, including the 2016 BMW M5, 2016 BMW ActiveHybrid 5, 2016 BMW 550i xDrive, 2016 BMW 550i, and 2016 BMW 535i xDrive. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

IMPORTANT: To avoid damaging the coil spring cassette, it is necessary to remove the steering wheel because of the absence of a steering column lock!

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Move steering column into "extended" position.
Disconnect BATTERY EARTH LEAD .
Remove steering wheel . See 32 33 010 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING SPORT STEERING WHEEL , 32 33 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING STEERING WHEEL or 32 33 010 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING SPORT STEERING WHEEL
Remove TRIM PANEL FOR PEDAL MECHANISM .
Remove steering column trims . See 32 31 003 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING UPPER SECTION OF STEERING COLUMN TRIM or 32 31 020 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LOWER SECTION OF STEERING COLUMN TRIM .
Replacement only: Remove STEERING COLUMN CONTROL PANEL .

IMPORTANT: Mark installation position (1) of steering spindle in relation to steering column.

Release clamping screw (2) and pull off steering spindle in direction of arrow.

Installation note:

Do not damage toothed shaft.

Recut thread in steering spindle.

Replace clamping screw (2).

Clamping screw must rest in groove of upper steering spindle.

No subsequent retorquing permitted!

Tightening torque: 32 31 3AZ .

Fig 1: Marking Installation Position Of Steering Shaft And Releasing Clamping Bolt

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Disconnect plug connection (1).

Unclip wiring harness (2) and lay to one side.

Fig 2: Plug Connection And Wiring Harness

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Release screws (1).

Tightening torque: 32 31 1AZ .

Fig 3: Screws Of Steering Column

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Secure steering column against falling out.

Release screws (1).

Tightening torque: 32 31 1AZ .

Feed steering column upwards to remove.

Fig 4: Screws Of Steering Column

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

If necessary, carry out NORMALIZATION of electric steering column adjustment.
Vehicles with active steering: When replacing the steering column, carry out the ACTIVE STEERING START-UP procedure!
Replacement only: Turn steering wheel in both directions to the limit position. The airbag indicator light must not light up in the process.
Check directional stability of vehicle and straight-ahead position of the steering wheel.