Turn the steering wheel in different directions through the open window. In this case, the allowable play, measured on the steering wheel, is 25 mm.
If the play in the steering wheel is large, check the steering rods, steering gear and the play in the front wheel bearings.
Pull the steering rods hard in different directions with your hand. There should be no play in the ball joints, otherwise replace the ball joints or steering tips.
(The original text of the article is available on the resource «BMWMAN»)