32 31 090 Removing And Installing Complete Steering Column

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 9 other vehicles, including the 2008 BMW 760Li, 2007 BMW 760Li, 2006 BMW 760i, 2006 BMW 760Li, and 2005 BMW 760i. 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. Refer to 61 20 900 DISCONNECTING AND CONNECTING BATTERY NEGATIVE LEAD .
Remove steering spindle lower section from steering column. Refer to 32 31 070 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LOWER SECTION OF STEERING SPINDLE .
Remove panel for (active) knee protector. Refer to 51 45 175 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING PANEL FOR KNEE PROTECTOR ON LEFT and 51 45 177 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING PANEL FOR ACTIVE KNEE PROTECTOR ON LEFT .
Remove air duct in footwell. See 35 11 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING MOUNTING BLOCK FOR PEDALS
Remove light operator unit. Refer to 61 31 037 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LIGHTING CONTROL UNIT .
Remove middle instrument panel trim. Refer to 51 45... REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING CENTER INSTRUMENT PANEL TRIM and 61 31 218 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING SWITCH FOR PARK DISTANCE CONTROL .
Remove lower section of steering column trim. Refer to 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: Steering Column Gap Cover And Retaining Nuts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unclip steering column insert (1).

Disconnect plug connections (2).

Remove wiring harness from steering column.

Fig 2: Steering Column Insert And Plug Connections

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1).

Tightening torque, refer to 32 31 6AZ in STEERING AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 3: Steering Column Retaining Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1).

Remove steering column towards rear.

Installation:

Center steering column in instrument panel cutout.

Tightening torque, refer to 32 31 6AZ in STEERING AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 4: Steering Column Panel Retaining Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After Installation:

Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment. Refer to 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.