Description & Operation
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2004 BMW 745i, 2004 BMW 745Li, 2003 BMW 745i, 2003 BMW 745Li, and 2002 BMW 745i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
WARNING:
When working on vehicles with Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), use extreme caution around steering wheel or column. Work on components of the AIRBAG system should only be carried out with the battery disconnected, the negative terminal post covered and the plug connection of the cable leading to the gas generator disconnected. If only the battery is disconnected, it is absolutely essential to adhere to a waiting period of 30 minutes for vehicles up to 9/93 and 5 seconds for vehicles from 9/93. DO NOT apply electrical power to any component on steering column without disconnecting SRS control unit; air bag system may activate. See appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article.
Steering column consists of a steering wheel with air bag, steering spindle and an anti-theft steering column lock/ignition switch. There may also be an interlock cable to the gear shift. Steering columns may be telescopic and/or tilt.