32 31 211 Removing And Installing/Replacing Universal Joint With Corrugated Tubing (550i)

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: If the lower section of the steering shaft is separated from the steering box/steering shaft middle section, the steering column switch cluster may be damaged when the steering wheel is turned.

Necessary preliminary work:

Remove underbody protection at front and rear. See 51 47 490 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING UNDERBODY PROTECTION (FRONT) or 51 47 491 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
Remove STIFFENING PLATE (vehicles with N74, all-wheel drive vehicles with N63 and all F12).

Release screw (1) on corrugated tubing.

Tightening torque: 32 31 3AZ

Fig 1: Corrugated Tubing Screw Connection

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: Graphic N63 shows rear-wheel drive!

Release screws (1) from below.

Tightening torque: 32 31 2AZ

Slide universal joint with corrugated tubing upwards and remove.

Installation note:

Fig 2: Universal Joint Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Connect universal joint with corrugated tubing first to steering shaft and then to steering box.

Clean screw threads to remove all remnants of screw locking adhesive.

Replace screw.

Screw must rest in steering box groove or steering shaft middle section.

No subsequent retorquing permitted!

NOTE: Picture shows F04!

Release screws (1) from below.

Tightening torque: 32 31 2AZ

Slide universal joint with corrugated tubing upwards and remove.

Installation note:

Connect universal joint with corrugated tubing first to steering shaft and then to steering box.

Clean screw threads to remove all remnants of screw locking adhesive.

Replace screw.

Screw must rest in steering box groove or steering shaft middle section.

No subsequent retorquing permitted!

Fig 3: Screws Of Universal Joint

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

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.