32 31 090 Removing And Installing/Replacing Steering Column

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW X5, 2009 BMW X5, 2008 BMW X5, and 2007 BMW X5. 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:

Disconnect battery negative lead . See 12 00... INSTRUCTIONS FOR DISCONNECTING AND CONNECTING BATTERY .
Remove steering wheel . See.32 33 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING STEERING WHEEL or 32 33 010 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING SPORT STEERING WHEEL .
Remove steering column trims . See 32 31 003 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING UPPER SECTION OF STEERING COLUMN TRIM and 32 31 020 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING LOWER SECTION OF STEERING COLUMN TRIM .
Move steering column into "extended" position
Replacement only: Remove steering column switch cluster . See 61 31 008 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING STEERING COLUMN SWITCH CLUSTER .
Remove trim panel for pedal assembly . See 51 45 185 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING PANEL FOR PEDALS .

Disconnect plug connection (1).

Unclip wiring harness (2) from steering column.

Installation:

Replace damaged wiring harness holder.

Make sure wiring harness is in correct position.

Fig 1: Identifying Plug Connection And Wiring Harness

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove air duct in footwell.

Release clamping screw (1) and slide splined shaft (2) into steering column.

Installation:

Do not damage splined shaft (2).

Make sure shim (3) is in correct position.

Recut thread.

Replace clamping screw.

Clamping screw must rest in groove of upper steering spindle.

No kinking permitted!

Tightening torque 32 31 3AZ.

See STEERING AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 2: Identifying Clamping Screw, Splined Shaft And Shim

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Disconnect plug connection (1).

Release screws (2).

Tightening torque 32 31 1AZ.

See STEERING AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 3: Identifying Plug Connection And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Secure steering column against falling out.

Release bolts (1).

Tightening torque 32 31 1AZ.

See STEERING AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 4: Identifying Steering Column Bolts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove steering column towards rear.

Installation:

When inserting steering column, make sure guide (1) is correctly fitted in instrument panel carrier.

Fig 5: Identifying Instrument Panel Carrier Guide

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment/adjustment for active front steering . See 32 10 005 ADJUSTMENT FOR ACTIVE FRONT STEERING and 61 31 996 CARRY OUT STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENT .
Carry out normalization of electric steering column adjustment
Replacement only: 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