Removal and installation steering column trim (BMW 3 Series E46)

Removal

1. Pull the steering wheel with the adjuster out fully and move it down.



2. Using a Phillips screwdriver "2", unscrew the screws "1" securing the upper trim of the steering column. 3 - side clamp, 4 - front guides.

The steering wheel and lower trim are not shown in the illustration.

3. Press the top trim slightly on the left and right first at points "3", then at points "4" and pull up. This will separate the top trim.



4. Remove the upper steering column trim "1" from the rear cover "5" (arrows in the illustration) and take it off.



5. Move the steering wheel with the adjustment mechanism fully upward.



6. Disconnect the lower steering column trim "7". To do this, push the pin "9" on both expansion rivets back.

7. Remove the lower trim downwards. Remove the pins from the rivets.

Installation

8. Replace the bottom trim and press in the expansion rivets. Press the pins flush.

9. Move the steering wheel with the adjustment mechanism all the way down.

10. Place the top trim into the rear cover.

11. Place the top trim with clamps through the guides into the bottom trim, press down and secure.

12. Replace the top trim nut and install the screws.

13. Set the steering column to its normal position.

[The original article is available on the website: «BMWMan»]