BMW 7 Series: Removing And Installing/Replacing Steering Column

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

• Move steering column into "extended" position.
• Disconnect BATTERY EARTH LEAD.
• Remove steering wheel.
• Remove steering column trims.
• Replacement only: Remove STEERING COLUMN CONTROL PANEL
• Remove trim panel for pedal assembly.

IMPORTANT: Mark installation position (1) of steering spindle in relation to steering column.

Release clamping screw (2) and pull off steering spindle in direction of arrow.

Installation note: Do not damage toothed shaft.

Recut thread in steering spindle.

Replace clamping screw (2).

Clamping screw must rest in groove of upper steering spindle.

Fig. 86: Pulling Steering Spindle

No subsequent retorquing permitted! Tightening torque 32 31 3AZ.

Disconnect plug connection (1).

Unclip wiring harness (2) and lay to one side.

Fig. 87: Identifying Steering Column Plug Connection And Wiring Harness

Release screws (1).

Tightening torque 32 31 1AZ.

Fig. 88: Identifying Screws

Secure steering column against falling out.

Release screws (1).

Tightening torque 32 31 1AZ.

Feed steering column upwards to remove.

Fig. 89: Identifying Steering Column Screws

After installation

• Carry out NORMALIZATION of electric steering column adjustment
• Replacement only: 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

REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING UNIVERSAL JOINT WITH CORRUGATED TUBING

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 tasks

• Remove rear UNDERBODY PROTECTION
• If necessary, remove STIFFENING PLATE

Release screw (1) on corrugated tubing.

Tightening torque 32 31 3AZ.

Fig. 90: Identifying Screw On Corrugated Tubing

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

Fig. 91: Identifying Universal Joint Screw

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. 92: Identifying Screw

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

REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING UPPER SECTION OF STEERING COLUMN TRIM

Notes

Move steering column in "bottom" and "extended" position.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage! Unclip steering column shroud (1) at side with special tool 00 9 317.

Fig. 93: Removing Steering Column Shroud Using Special Tool (00 9 317)

Pull steering column trim (1) towards front.

Unclip steering column gap cover (1) from upper section of steering column trim (2).

Remove upper section of steering column trim (2).

Fig. 94: Identifying Steering Column Gap Cover And Steering Column Trim

READ NEXT: