32 31 090 Removing and installing / replacing complete steering column

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Return steering to straight-ahead drive setting and remove ignition key
• Remove trim panel for pedal assembly. See REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING TRIM PANEL FOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY .
• Remove steering spindle lower section from steering column. See 32 31 070 Removing And Installing Or Replacing Lower Section Of Steering Spindle .
• Replacement only: Remove fixture for steering column stalk. See 61 31 006 REMOVING AND INSTALLING (REPLACING) FIXTURE FOR STEERING COLUMN STALK .
• Remove upper section of trim. See 32 31 004 Removing And Installing / Replacing Upper Section Of Steering Column Trim .

After installation:

• Carry out Steering Angle Sensor Adjustment/Adjustment For Active Front Steering 
• Carry out operational 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.

Vehicles (up to 09/2005) with automatic transmissions: Remove interlock cable (1) from steering lock positioning unit.

Disconnect plug connections (2).

Fig 1: Removing Interlock Cable From Steering Lock Positioning Unit

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Version with electric steering column adjustment (build date up to 09/2004):

Installation: 

Fit adapter lead between wiring harness and steering column.

Secure adapter lead to wiring harness.

If necessary, disconnect plug connection (3) at drive for electric steering column adjustment.

Vehicles up to 09/2005: Remove interlock cable (1) from steering column.

Remove wiring harness (2) from steering column and place to one side.

Installation: 

Fig 2: Disconnecting Plug Connection At Drive For Electric Steering Column Adjustment

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replace ribbon cable from ignition starter switch to CAS control unit and secure with adhesive tape. See 61 31 020 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING IGNITION STARTER SWITCH .

Mark installation position of steering column.

Unfasten screws.

Tightening torque, see 32 31 6AZ in WHEEL & TIRES - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 3: Marking Installation Position Of Steering Column

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Mark installation position of steering column (2).

Release screws (1).

Remove steering column (2) towards rear.

Installation: 

Insert steering column (2) through instrument panel and insert screws (1).

Align steering column (2) by way of markings and tighten down screws (1).

Tightening torque, see 32 31 6AZ in WHEEL & TIRES - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 4: Inserting Steering Column Through Instrument Panel And Inserting Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement only:

Remove ignition starter switch. See 61 31 020 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING IGNITION STARTER SWITCH .

Remove ring antenna. See 61 35 900 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING RING ANTENNA OF ELECTRONIC IMMOBILIZER .

Remove lock cylinder. See 32 32 050 Removing And Installing/Replacing Steering Lock Cylinder .